Around 75,000 years before the 21st century, Incubators find Earth and the Homo sapiens race.[1]
The Toba supereruption, a volcanic catastrophe at the site of present-day Lake Toba in Sumatra, Indonesia, causes a global volcanic winter and pushed early human populations to the brink of extinction. The Homo erectus goes extinct due to this catastrophe.[1]
Incubators establish the Magical Girl system with Homo sapiens to harvest emotional energy and combat universal entropy. The first Magical Girl is born, using her wish to save humanity from the eruption.[1]
The "Cognitive Revolution" occurs. An evolutionary adaptation driven by the Incubators' selective pressure to create more efficient Magical Girls. The capacity for storytelling evolves as a mechanism to optimize human relationships for the generation of emotional energy. The narratives and fictions that Homo sapiens developed served to materialize and diffuse templates for relationships that were highly efficient at generating emotional energy. This evolutionary pressure ensured the dominance of a species whose social and cognitive structures were perfectly tailored for producing powerful Magical Girls.[1]
Around 40,000 years before the 21st century, Homo sapiens, equipped with Magical Girls, begin migrating out of Africa and into Eurasia, where they encounter Homo neanderthalensis. Their cognition is fundamentally rooted in the intuitive recognition of the laws of physics as defined by the theory of everything. As a result, they are incapable of perceiving magic at all. Meanwhile, Homo sapiens, whose cognition had been shaped by the Magical Girl system, could see and utilize these magical forces. The Homo sapien systematically wipes out the Homo neanderthalensis through this.[1]
c. 38th Millennium BCE - 13th Century CE
Pernelle is born in a cave associated with the god Hermes in Arcadia, a region in the central Peloponnese of Ancient Greece. She is likely born in Mount Kyllini to the Cult of Hermes, possibly as far back as 1 BCE, and at some point she makes a contract with Kyubey and becomes a Magical Girl.[2]
Pernelle creates the sword, Épée de Clovis, for Clovis I (c. 466-511), as well as weapons for his siblings, including Audofleda who was also a Magical Girl.[2]
14th Century CE - 15th Century CE
In Mid-14th Century, a girl in the port town of Kaffa made a wish to repel the Mongol invasion, which brings a plague upon the enemy that ultimately destroys her own town and spreads across Europe as the Black Death.[2]
In Mid-14th Century Pontoise, France, Pernelle meets Nicholas Flamel in a park when he approaches her asking to read her Arabic book, demonstrating deep knowledge of alchemy. She realizes he is someone who simply wants to know about the world like herself. Shortly after, she finds him in a town ravaged by the Black Death and explains she defeated the Witch that spread the plague. With no safe place left in Europe, she invites him to live with her in Paris, which she believes is the safest place. Nicolas proposes marriage, stating he realized from their first meeting that she was someone with whom he could share his soul.[2]
In 1385, at the age of fourteen, Elisabeth of Bayern, or Isabell of Bavaria arrives in France to marry King Charles VI. She quickly wins over the court with her charm and intelligence, even accepting the mocking nickname "Isabeau" with grace, thus being known as Isabeau de Bavière. Soon after, Kyubey, or Cube, appears to her and offers a contract. Rather than wishing immediately, Isabeau questions him extensively about magical girls, witches, and his nature. After confirming his answers by killing one of his bodies, she makes her wish: "I want everything you possess." She becomes a magical girl and part-Incubator, gaining the ability to create other magical girls, access to Incubator knowledge, and an eternal body. She immediately begins building an army of magical girls, starting with the servant who had tried to humiliate her by tricking her into wholeheartedly wishing to serve Isabeau while she had her eyes closed.[3][4]
For the following decades, Isabeau makes contracts with many girls, causing them to lose their souls and become mindless servants to her. Isabeau's first victim is a servant, who's tricked by her to wish for her fidelity to Isabeau for as long as she lived.[3]
On August 20th, 1389 Paris, decades of peaceful research have passed. Pernelle and Nicolas attend the coronation ceremony of Queen Isabeau, whom King Charles VI brought from Bavaria four years prior. Pernelle senses something dark and overwhelming in Isabeau's presence, recognizing her as a Magical Girl but also sensing a presence like a demon, like Cube. She later reflects that Isabeau approached Cube, learned all his plans, and became a Magical Girl with the ambition to make France and every country her own. Isabeau wished for everything Cube possessed and became an existence with the same powers as Cube despite being a Magical Girl, eventually becoming a Witch that engulfed France in darkness. Cube explains that Isabeau is harmful because they cannot harvest energy from the Magical Girls she creates, and if darkness engulfs the world, this planet becomes worthless to them. Pernelle agrees to cooperate with Cube's experiment: to find and guide a Magical Girl who can overcome a threat that exceeds human comprehension. Pernelle's Notes mention the ancient French prophecy that France will be destroyed by a woman but saved by a girl, and the search for this girl became their experiment.[2]
In 1392, by using her network of magical girl servants, Isabeau successfully drives her husband Charles VI mad, causing him to attack his own brother. Cube confronts her about hoarding magical energy, but she dismisses him.[3]
In 1393, Isabeau orchestrates the Bal des Ardents, using magic to set fire to the court and nearly kill her husband, positioning herself to claim power.[3] Charles VI gets traumatized by the fiery incident at the masquerade ball, and soon becomes progressively more mentally unstable and unable to rule. This event is known as the Bal des Ardents.[5]
In 1403, Isabeau becomes head of the French crown, mediating between rival factions vying for control.[3]
In 1404, Isabeau begins a secret affair with her brother-in-law Louis I, despite her alliance with his enemy John I.[3]
In 1407, after four years of an affair, Isabeau manipulates John I into murdering Louis I, and later John the Fearless.[5][3]
In 1410, France fragments into civil war as Isabeau plays both sides. She reveals to Cube her long-term plan: divide France, then marry her daughter Catherine to the future English king Henry V, eventually controlling both thrones through her grandchild. She also admits she intends to make her three youngest daughters into magical girls so they can remain with her forever, savoring her slow rise to power.[3]
In 1420, Isabeau is involved in and signs the Treaty of Troyes, marrying Catherine to Henry V and disinheriting her own son, the Dauphin Charles. She thus cedes France to the English and becomes known as "the woman who sold the country," or "the woman who swore France away."[5][3]
Likely during this time, among the ones she contracts is her own daughter Corbeau, who wishes to become a Magical Girl specialized in fighting Magical Girls, so her sisters wouldn't need to fight.[6]
On October 1422, King Charles VI of France dies. With both deaths, Isabeau's plans collapse. Her despair causes her to begin transforming into a witch.[3]
Shortly after, Isabeau uses too much of her magic and fully transforms into a Witch in front her three daughters. As Cube watches, expecting to collect her energy, the eldest daughter Lapine makes a wish: "I want my mother to return to the way she was before." Because Isabeau retains Incubator powers even as a witch, the wish is granted and her body becomes a puppet for her witch form, creating Crépuscule de la Reine and allowing her to continue her plans.[3][5]
Afterwards, an unknown amount of time after Lapine's wish, a maid informs Minou of a prophecy spreading among the people: France will be lost because of a woman and shall thereafter be restored by a virgin maiden, with that woman being their mother, Isabeau de Bavière. Though Minou dismisses it as political propaganda, the prophecy troubles her. Remembering that their mother once feared other Magical Girls, she makes her wish to their mother and becomes a Magical Girl, wishing that their mother shall not be defeated by any type of Magical Girl in existence. This makes Isabeau invulnerable to any kind of attack from Magical Girls and also allows for Minou to gain a way to communicate with her mentally "deteriorated" mother.[7][4]
Melissa de Vignolles is born to Milene, who kept her a secret from the father, La Hire. After Milene died of the plague when Melissa is very young, La Hire arrives to her hometown and, after finding out she was his daughter, takes her along with him.[8]
Liz Hawkwood becomes a Magical Girl with the wish to be the one from whom a new, true hero would spring. Afterwards, she travels Europe with Cube in search of this hero to fulfill her wish.[8]
The first candidate she met was referred to as "Machete", with the same age as Liz. She would die in battle against a Witch after her Soul Gem broke.[9]
The second was referred to as "Frusta", who was older than Liz. She would also die in battle against a Witch.[10]
The third and fourth were twins, where one is referred as "Falce" and the other one "Lancia", who were younger than Liz. Lancia would become a Witch and afterwards, Falce believed Liz and Cube had planned this, so she turned against them, forcing Liz to kill her as well.[11][12]
Elisa Celjska, being the illegitimate daughter of the Holy Roman Empress and a member of the Order of the Dragon, was exiled by the court along with her mother. In the Oradea outskirts in Transylvania, she is approached by Pernelle and Cube, who offers her a contract. She makes the wish for everyone to acknowledge her existence and her and her mother are welcomed back to the court. Elisa joins the Order of the Dragon. Despite the acceptance, she finds herself caught in courtly scheming, with only her uncle Oswald as a trusted figure.[13] She uses her powers for the Emperor and is sent in missions across Europe by the Order.[8]
In 1424, in Isabeau's court in Paris, Minou relays her mother's orders to continue the siege of Ivry through their unique mental connection. The servants discuss how Isabeau's daughters each possess extraordinary abilities while Isabeau herself reigns as the shadow queen controlling both England and France. When Corbeau returns from Ivry, Isabeau unexpectedly speaks a rare word of greeting before ordering her to assist allies at Guise. The sisters explain their faction supports Henry as dual monarch against the Dauphin Charles' Scottish alliance. A messenger bursts in declaring Verneuil has fallen to a Scottish force led by a girl using magic to teleport troops inside the city walls.[14]
The sisters debate the implications, with Lapine suggesting the enemy might be a Magical Girl and Minou insisting she and Lapine will handle Verneuil while Corbeau obeys Isabeau's orders. In a private moment, Corbeau recalls how Lapine's wish restored Isabeau's form but not her sanity after she became a Witch. She devises a plan to select an exceptionally talented servant, originally a noble's daughter skilled in archery, to make another wish and temporarily restore Isabeau's full faculties. Isabeau unexpectedly regains full consciousness when presented with the servant, immediately grasps the strategic situation, names the girl Flèche, and prepares to personally intervene at Verneuil.[14]
In August 1424, near Verneuil, Isabeau arrives dramatically at the English camp and identifies Sir John Talbot as their most capable field commander, noting his humility and battlefield prowess make him ideal to counter the inexperienced Duke of Alençon leading the enemy forces. She plans to deliberately weaken their formation to lure Alençon into a trap where Flèche's archery will prove decisive. As she prepares to transform for battle, she remarks it's been years since she last took her active combat form.[14]
Isabeau arrives at the battlefield and first deals with the enemy Magical Girl responsible for Verneuil's fall, a Scottish girl who used camouflage magic to infiltrate the city. Isabeau mocks her modest wish and trivial power before effortlessly eliminating her, ensuring the Scottish reinforcements fail to arrive. She orchestrates the battle like a chess game, deliberately weakening the English right flank to lure Alençon into Flèche's killing zone where magical arrows pick off the French knights. John Talbot capitalizes on this to rout the enemy while Isabeau orders Alençon's capture for ransom, observing spies from Richemont's faction taking notes on these new warfare tactics.[14]
1425: After prayers at the village church, Catherine chases a glowing fairy into the woods, and Darc follows. The fairy leads them to a Grief Seed, which hatches and pulls them into a Witch's Barrier. Inside, they are confronted by Witch-Kissed soldiers. Darc prays for Catherine's safety as Liz arrives and saves them to defeat the soldiers. Kyubey, or Cube appears, and Liz explains they were searching for Darc. The Witch, a bell-shaped creature with butterfly wings, attacks as well, but Liz defeats it. Darc mistakes Liz and Cube for angels, but they reveal that they sought Darc to make a contract with her. Darc writes her name as "Jeanne Darc," and Cube decides to call her Darc.[15] Cube offers Darc a contract to become a Magical Girl, but before she can respond, her father and villagers arrive. Darc faints from exhaustion, and Liz carries her home, where she's invited to stay as a village guard.[16]
Over the next three years, Liz trains Darc and Catherine in swordsmanship, though Darc struggles while Catherine excels, and Cube grows impatient as Darc still hasn't made a wish.[16]
1427: Minou reports to her sisters about court intrigues and they discuss eliminating Charles VII's capable marshal Richemont through a multi-step plan. Their agent Pierre de Giac, Charles' corrupt favorite, has become a liability. Flèche and a new Magical Girl named Lame are deployed to kill him during an arrest by Richemont's men, framing the marshal for murder. The vacated position will be filled by their mole La Trémoille, a bureaucrat secretly loyal to the English faction due to his belief in Henry VI's superior claim to the French throne, who will then turn Charles VII's court against Richemont.[14]
In the French countryside, the plan unfolds precisely when Richemont's men capture Giac for corruption and Flèche snipes him mid-transport with an impossible shot, leaving no trace. Lame drives off observers including the alchemist Pernelle Flamel. The scheme succeeds perfectly and La Trémoille becomes Charles VII's chamberlain.[14]
In Paris, Pernelle returns home to find her husband Nicolas awaiting her. He informs her that Oswald von Volkenstein, a member of the Order of the Dragon of the Holy Roman Empire, came calling as an undercover visitor. Pernelle immediately deduces this means one particular person is involved. She meets with Elisa, who sent Volkenstein as a messenger because her Dragon Knight attire draws too much attention. Elisa requests repairs for her combination firearm and axe, noting the blade has chipped despite Pernelle's earlier claims. Pernelle agrees to repair it but explains she needs a specific magical stone as a catalyst, which will require a journey. Elisa agrees to accompany her.[2]
Later that day, the two travel together, and Pernelle explains that Witches and bandits have become more active along the roads, which is why she asked for an escort. During the journey, Pernelle recalls traveling the same route long ago with another Magical Girl: Audofleda, sister of Clovis I. Elisa is astonished to learn this figure from a thousand years ago was a Magical Girl.[2]
The following day, they arrive in Fierbois, where Pernelle explains the magic stone is stored in a church along with a dedicated sword. They wait for nightfall and sneak inside using an invisibility spell. Pernelle finds an old box behind the altar containing both the sword and the magic stone, and she uses the catalyst to instantly repair Elisa's weapon. Elisa then notices the worn sword in the box, and Pernelle reveals it is the sword she forged for Clovis I, restoring it to new condition with a simple sweep. Elisa realizes the true purpose of the journey was for Pernelle to retrieve this sword, with her weapon repair as a secondary objective, and Pernelle admits this openly.[2]
Pernelle returns home and Nicolas greets her formally when she mentions someone else is present whom he cannot see. Pernelle addresses Cube, who has been waiting with a progress report. Cube reports there have been no significant developments regarding the girl in the village of Domremy, who possesses rare potential but remains unwilling to become a Magical Girl. The village is protected by Liz of the Visconti family, granddaughter of John Hawkwood, and Cube notes that Elisa is also a candidate bearing great causality. Pernelle reflects that the most likely candidate predicted to stand at the center of the swirling causality is not Elisa or Liz, but a plain village girl called Jeanne or Janet. Her journey with Elisa to retrieve Clovis's sword was part of this larger experiment, as she explains to Nicolas that if the prophesied savior were to bear Clovis's sword, her causality might become even stronger. To Pernelle, even this holy sword is merely a tool for experiments.[2]
1428: In the aftermath of Minou's plan, Richemont is expelled from court.[14]
In 1428, Isabeau, now a witch commanding her three magical girl daughters, orders the attack on Orleans. The sisters divide their tasks: Corbeau takes Orleans, Lapine takes Normandy, and Minou spreads destruction through French villages, killing families and forcibly recruiting new magical girls for their army.[3]
Following a battle where their enemies fled too quickly, the sisters Lapine, Corbeau, and Minou travel to the nearest garrison for a bath. While waiting, Lapine and Corbeau reminisce about their mother taking them to hear birds in the woods, and Minou realizes she has no such memories because their mother had already changed by the time she was old enough to remember. Later, as they bathe, Corbeau apologizes for making Minou feel left out, though Minou privately believes she understands their mother best.[7]
That night, after returning home, Minou lies awake and recalls the time she heard the troubling prophecy from a maid. She also recalls her sisters' reactions to her contract, with Lapine surprised and Corbeau wishing Minou had not done so because she intended to protect everyone herself. Minou reveals to them that since becoming a Magical Girl, she can understand their mother's true intentions, interpreting Isabeau's fragmented words as commands to execute messengers and kill enemies. Corbeau notes their mother's power has increased since Minou's wish, and she promises to protect them both, though Minou privately questions whether Corbeau would choose their mother over them if forced.[7]
The following day, sensing a disturbance in their mother, Minou learns from Isabeau of an abominable light sprouting in a place called Domrémy. Minou promises to destroy this threat and departs alone, refusing her sisters' offers to accompany her.[7]
Near Domrémy, Minou arrives and considers whether a Magical Girl from the village could be the threat, but she dismisses this, believing no Magical Girl could threaten her mother. She sows Grief Seeds in the area to create disturbances, hoping local brigands will attack the rebellious village, and then returns home.[7]
Days later, while Liz is away guarding a shipment, soldiers attack the village, killing Catherine and destroying the town. Darc blames herself for not protecting her sister, but Cube explains that even if she wished to restore her village, tragedy could strike again due to the ongoing war. Darc decides to become a Magical Girl, cutting off her braid and wishing for "the power to bring light to France." Her transformation bathes France in light, witnessed separately by Elisa, Melissa.[16]
At the same time, Minou receives word that marauders plan to loot Domrémy due to the chaos created by their army's advance, and she is satisfied with her plan. However, their mother suddenly becomes distressed, crying out about the abominable light leading to her ruin, and Minou senses an unpleasant light without understanding its source.[7]
Later that day, Corbeau asks about their mother's condition, and Minou reports she is resting but repeating warnings about a destructive light in the east. Though Minou confesses she thought she had prevented this, Lapine reassures her, and Corbeau vows to crush any real threat. Minou resolves to rely on her sisters' strength while continuing to protect their mother.[7]
October, 1428: La Hire and Melissa march toward Orleans to fight for its freedom. Watching from the woods, Pernelle and Cube discuss the situation. Kyubey admits he is searching for a girl with enough karmic potential to stop Isabeau, relying on belief in prophecy to strengthen her. Pernelle, refusing to share her own plans, reflects on her husband Nicolas's words about miracles and the human heart.[3]
October 12, 1428: Pernelle and Cube discuss the dire situation in France where northern territories including Paris and Reims are under English control, with Orléans now besieged as the last major stronghold of the Dauphin Charles' faction.[14]
January, 1429: Darc, Liz, and Cube travel to Vaucouleurs to seek an audience with the Dauphin. Upon arrival, they sense a Witch's presence, the town is in chaos, and the captain of the guard, Robert Baudricourt, is missing. Darc and Liz investigate the keep, which turns out to be the Witch's Barrier. They're separated, and with Cube's advice, Darc conjures a sword of light, and defeats the Witch. Liz reappears, and Cube explains that Darc's immense power drains her magic quickly, so Liz promises to protect Darc from becoming a Witch. Baudricourt and the squires, Jean de Metz and Bertrand de Pulengy, arrive, and Bertrand pledges to help Darc. Cube muses that Darc's fate may be greater than he initially thought.[17]
February, 1429: In Paris, Isabeau, through Minou, commands her three daughters to move toward Orléans, declaring that all key players will gather there for the first act of a grand performance.[14]
February 12th, 1429: Near Orléans, Bâtard de Orléans attempts a surprise attack on English supply lines with overwhelming numbers, but the three sisters effortlessly crush his forces. Corbeau mocks his futile efforts while Lapine gleefully toys with the soldiers. Just as they are about to finish Bâtard, the mercenary La Hire intervenes and drags the wounded commander to safety, with Minou noting his reputation and musing that this battle will be entertaining.[14]
Outside Orleans, the French and Scottish forces suffer a devastating defeat at the hands of Minou, Corbeau, and Lapine. Jean de Dunois, the commander, is injured, but La Hire rescues him.[18]
In Vaucouleurs, Lord Baudricourt informs Darc that her audience with the Dauphin has been approved but also reveals the crushing defeat at Orleans, caused by three girls. Darc, Liz, and Cube suspect these girls are Magical Girls or Witches allied with the English, so they decide to leave for Chinon immediately to meet the Dauphin, accompanied by Jean and Bertrand. In Chinon, Gilles de Rais, a nobleman, hears rumors of "La Pucelle" and prepares to meet her, while the Dauphin Charles remains despondent over the loss at Orleans.[18]
Darc, Liz, Jean, and Bertrand travel 600 kilometers from Vaucouleurs to Chinon, facing English soldiers, bandits, and Witches along the way, even with Darc saving Jean from a crab-like Witch on one occasion.
March 4th, 1429: Upon arriving in Chinon, Jean and Bertrand bid Darc farewell, and she and Liz enter the citadel to meet the Dauphin. Inside the palace, the Dauphin Charles, devises a test for Darc: Gilles de Rais sits on the throne, pretending to be Charles, while the real Dauphin hides among the courtiers. Darc, guided by Cube, correctly identifies Charles and kneels before him, declaring her mission to crown him king. Melissa is able to see Cube guiding her and Cube briefly takes note of her. Charles is convinced of her divine mission after she transforms into her Magical Girl form, and he announces to the court that Darc is a true messenger from God.[19]
March 6th, 1429: In Chinon Castle, at the Dauphin's court, Charles VII tests the legitimacy of Darc, the so-called Maid of Orléans, by disguising himself among the courtiers. Darc immediately identifies him despite the deception as proof of her divine insight, and the Dauphin publicly declares her a true messenger of God, rallying his forces for the liberation of Orléans.[14]
April, 1429: On the Western Border of the Holy Roman Empire, Elisa, Pernelle, and Cube arrive at the French border to investigate rumors of Phantom Knights, which they discover are actually Familiars roaming openly—a troubling sign that suggests magic is interfering with the Hundred Years War. A soldier posing as a lord guides them to a fortress that ultimately vanishes, revealing itself to be part of a Familiar's labyrinth. After dispelling the illusion, they realize Elisa's mission was a trap: the royal letter was a forgery meant to lure her away, likely so someone could strike at the Order of the Dragon or her mother, the Empress Barbora. Fearing for her mother's safety, Elisa orders Pernelle to prepare a teleportation spell to return immediately.[13]
In the headquarters of the Order of the Dragon, Elisa returns to find her mother safe and the Order intact, confirming she was the target. Investigating the trap, she uncovers that three soldiers were actually Familiars in disguise, while the maiden who warned her earlier remains human. After exposing and defeating the Familiars with help from the Order's soldiers, Elisa learns her uncle has returned with the Empress. Barbora assigns Elisa a new mission: travel to France and assess the true nature of La Pucelle, the maiden claiming to be God's messenger.[13]
Darc's fame grows after theologians in Poitiers confirm her purity and divine mission. Soldiers rally to her cause, and preparations begin for the march to Orleans to break the English siege. Melissa is assigned to serve Darc and quickly becomes her friend.[20]
On the way to Orléans, Gilles de Rais delivers a rousing speech inspiring the troops to march toward Orléans while Darc, now accompanied by Melissa, rides a white horse gifted by the Duke of Alençon. Pernelle observes her from afar and retrieves the legendary Sword of Clovis with magic to aid Darc. Meanwhile, Isabeau orders Corbeau and Flèche to remain in Orléans, allowing the French forces to gain momentum only to torment them later.[14]
At the Tourelles Fortress, Lapine remains behind while Minou takes Flèche to assist Corbeau against Darc, as Lapine's magic makes fighting alongside Corbeau too risky. Lapine receives word of Darc's arrival at Tourelles from her servant Fauchard and laments her inability to fight alongside her sister. Lapine reflects on her family's situation: their brother Dauphin Charles abandoned their mother Isabeau to seek the crown, and the three sisters have allied with England to ultimately place their mother in power. Fauchard expresses her devotion to the sisters, who took her in after her parents died. Minou, noticing Lapine's loneliness, gives her a mission to eliminate a lord who betrayed them to Charles, and she asks Fauchard to accompany Lapine so she does not feel alone.[21]
Lapine and Fauchard travel to the English camp near the lord's fortress, where Lapine explains her plan to plant a Grief Seed and replace the traitorous lord with someone loyal to their cause. As Lapine carries out her mission, Fauchard encounters Pernelle and Cube, who reveal that Lapine and her sisters have been planting Witches throughout France to massacre families, sparing only daughters with magical potential to become their servants. Fauchard witnesses Lapine murder the lord and his daughter when the Witch fails to kill them all, and she confronts Lapine about the blood on her clothes. Pernelle later offers Fauchard the chance to join Darc, but Fauchard refuses because Darc fights for Charles, her father's enemy.[21]
As the French army marches, they encounter a burned village, and Darc and Liz investigate, finding a Witch's Barrier. Inside, they battle a flower-like Witch and Melissa, guided by Cube, is revealed to have the potential to become a Magical Girl too. Pernelle appears and introduces herself, giving Darc the Epee de Clovis sword, which enhances her power and was found in a church tied to Jeanne's fate through her sister's namesake, Saint Catherine. Pernelle tells Jeanne she shares her objectives and enemy, then vanishes. Darc, Liz, and Melissa return to the army, with Liz growing suspicious of the situation in Orleans. Meanwhile, at the fort of Saint-Loup near Orleans, Minou, Lapine, and Corbeau discuss their plans, and they leave Corbeau alone to await Darc's arrival.[20]
One day, Darc returns from her thoughts on the day she contracted as Liz calls her name. Before they can settle into camp, Melissa comes running with news that the nearby fortress is under attack by the English army and their monsters. The lord had foolishly invited them in, but the monsters lost control. Darc resolves to go alone, and Liz volunteers to join her.[22]
At the fortress, Darc cuts through possessed soldiers while Liz supports her. When more keep coming, Liz creates an opening for Darc to clear the field with a single magical blast. Her magic destroys the creatures but also creates a crater where the road once stood. The grateful lord pledges himself to her forever, though Darc hangs her head in embarrassment when Melissa informs them the supplies cannot be transported.[22]
Later that day back at camp, the road has been repaired and supplies have arrived. Darc worries about her inexperience, but Liz notes she purposely aimed at the ground. They ask Cube about controlling her power. He explains that Darc's wish to bring light to France was so pure and powerful, and her karmic destiny so great, that her magic is inherently imprecise. She will learn control through experience, but she is the only one capable of wiping out entire armies.[22]
Familiars attack the fortress again. Darc and Liz arrive to find themselves inside a witch's barrier. They defeat the unfamiliar witch quickly and question the lord about why the fortress attracts so much attention.[22]
He tells them about a curse. Decades ago, a young girl's prayers were answered, healing the sick and restoring peace. But the town saw her use magic, accused her of witchcraft, and threw her in jail. She warned them she would become a witch if not released, begging for execution instead. The village refused. After months, she disappeared and a giant monster flew from her cell - the Stormcloud Witch - attacking every decade since.[22]
Before they can evacuate, black clouds envelop them as the witch approaches. Darc feels a connection to the girl she once was, understanding the bitter sorrow that led to her contract. As Familiars swarm, Liz hands her a Grief Seed and Darc unleashes La Lumiere, destroying the witch in a single blow. Light floods the land. Darc notices she accidentally destroyed the watchtower and hangs her head again, but Liz reassures her the townspeople are safe.[22]
Later that night at camp, Liz hands Darc another Grief Seed and voices her fear about what will happen when their own Soul Gems fill with impurities. She asks if Darc would rather disappear than become a witch, like the girl who begged for execution. But Darc has already fallen asleep from exhaustion and does not hear her.[22]
April 29th, 1429: Darc and the French army arrive at Orleans, and she displays her banner, which features angels and Cube, as they prepare to retake the city from the English. The French forces, led by Gilles de Rais and La Hire, begin their counterattack, successfully reclaiming several fortresses, including Saint-Loup and Saint-Augustine. During the campaign, Darc tries to dissuade Melissa from becoming a Magical Girl.[23]
May, 1429: In France, Elisa Celjska and Oswald von Wolkenstein of the Holy Roman Empire's Order of the Dragon seek out the exiled Marshal Richemont, intending to assess Darc's strength firsthand.[14]
May 7th, 1429: The French army targets Les Tourelles, the most strategically important fort. Inside, the English commander William de la Pole is furious over their recent losses, and Corbeau kills Captain William Glasdale for questioning her authority. As the French attack, Corbeau confronts Darc and Liz, revealing her ability to transfer her magic consumption to nearby Magical Girls, making her nearly invincible. Corbeau and her servant, Fleche, overwhelm Liz and La Hire attempts to intervene but is also wounded, and Darc is also gravely wounded by Fleche protecting them. Melissa, desperate to save Darc and her father, contracts with Cube and becomes a Magical Girl, using her wish to heal both of them.[23]
As Darc and her father recover from their injuries, Melissa fights Corbeau with her weapon, while Liz analyzes Corbeau's powers and deduces her magic has a 50-meter range. Liz declares that they now have the means to defeat Corbeau.[24] Liz pulls them briefly into her shadow, and explains the 100 meter range of Soul Gems, as well as the 50 meter range of Corbeau's magic. Due to their Christian faith, Darc and Melissa find the physical form of their souls a wonderful thing.[25]
Liz and Melissa confront Corbeau, with Darc keeping their Soul Gems safe while she takes on Fleche. Empowered by Melissa's wish that altered her destiny, she unleashes her ultimate attack, destroying Fleche's position and severely damaging the Les Tourelles fortress. Corbeau, realizing her Soul Gem is now polluted due to Liz's strategy, is forced to retreat with Minou, leaving Fleche behind as a Witch. Without her knowledge, Darc is helped by Elisa from afar to defeat the Witch as she'd been watching part of the fight.[25][13]
The sisters reunite at their palace, where Corbeau shares details of her defeat by Darc. Before Fauchard can speak with Lapine, Minou intervenes and takes Fauchard to Isabeau, torturing her until she makes a wish and becomes one of their Magical Girl servants. When Lapine later asks Fauchard about her bed preparations and receives no response, Minou explains that Fauchard no longer speaks. Lapine accepts that her favorite servant has been turned into a doll, and Corbeau promises to find her a new maid, with Lapine looking forward to her own future encounter with Darc.[21]
May 8th, 1429: The French and English armies face each other after the French victory at the Tourelles. Jean and La Hire prepare for battle, and John Talbot, the English commander, requests a parley with Lord Batard and Darc. Talbot admits the English cannot withstand Darc’s power and proposes ending the battle, citing the Sabbath as a fitting day for peace. Darc agrees, and Talbot departs as Elisa observes from a distance. Batard declares Orleans liberated, and the French army celebrates.[26]
May 11th, 1429: Darc and her retinue leave Orleans and meet Dauphin Charles at Chateau de Loches. Elisa reveals herself and confirms her role as the Magical Girl who aided Darc and Liz. Oswald pledges the Order’s support to Charles, and the Chamberlain arranges a council meeting to discuss the matter further.[26] Elisa challenges Darc to a sparring match to test her power, and despite her shots Darc remains unharmed, but Elisa eventually disarms Darc and pins her, declaring victory. Elisa dismisses Darc as a disappointment, and Darc apologizes, but Melissa, angered by Elisa’s harsh words, challenges her to a fight. Melissa quickly overpowers Elisa, throwing her far into the sky and shocking everyone. Later, Elisa sulks in her room, frustrated by her loss to Melissa and her earlier victory over Darc. Oswald consoles her, and Melissa enters and apologizes to Elisa. Elisa forgives her, and Melissa explains that Darc was called to a strategy meeting, which Elisa prepares to join as well. In the meeting, Charles’ son, Louis, suddenly enters and urges Darc to ensure his father’s coronation, which inspires Charles to go to Reims.[27]
The French army, led by the Duke of Alencon with Darc as his aide, begins the Loire campaign to reclaim territory from the English. They achieve victories in Jargeau, Meung-sur-Loire, and Beaugency.[27]
May, 1429: In Paris, Minou reports to Isabeau that Orléans is on the verge of falling with Darc's forces gaining momentum. Isabeau, silent as ever, watches the unfolding conflict with anticipation as the stage is set with heroes and villains in place.[14]
June 18th, 1429: The French face the English at Patay. Minou, Corbeau, and Lapine lead the English forces, while Darc, Elisa, Melissa, and Liz head the French. Lapine charges alone, but the group quickly overpowers her. As Lapine lies defeated, her Soul Gem corrupts, transforming her into a Witch with the power to control the weapons on the battlefield.[27] Darc's team struggles to fight back as the Witch’s flashing eyes force them to revert to their human forms, and the Witch takes their weapons from them, with the exceptions of Elisa and Darc's enchanted weapons. Liz and Melissa face Corbeau, while Darc and Elisa deal with the Witch, and Minou observes from a distance. Elisa protects Darc from a distance with her weapon while Darc charges and strikes the Witch directly, defeating her and causing it to revert back to Lapine's Magical Girl form. Corbeau retrieves Lapine and instructs Minou to take her away, preparing to unleash her new power.[28] She summons her new ability, "La Danse Macabre," which creates reaper-like skeletons and spreads an enhanced black plague across the battlefield. Both French and English soldiers, as well as the Magical Girls, collapse in pain as the plague takes hold. She attacks everyone on Darc's team and when she mocks Darc’s inability to save anyone, Darc's Soul Gem shines brightly, and she unleashes a powerful magic circle that bathes the battlefield in light. The plague is cured, and all the soldiers and Magical Girls are healed. Cube, observing with Pernelle from a distance, calls Darc an "irregular." Darc, who's now reached a new form, attacks Corbeau with full force and knocking her into the woods. Before Darc can deliver the final blow, Minou appears through a portal. Corbeau is initially relieved, but Minou coldly informs her that she is no longer needed because her loyalties lie with her sisters rather than Isabeau. Despite Corbeau’s pleas and declarations of love for her sisters, Minou shatters Corbeau’s Soul Gem, killing her. She then takes Corbeau's body with her, promising Darc a future confrontation.[29]
The French and English forces clash, with the French gaining the upper hand. John Talbot, realizing his troops’ morale is low after Corbeau’s plague and Darc’s subsequent healing, decides to lead a sacrificial assault. However, he is intercepted by Richemont, who arrives with reinforcements. Talbot surrenders himself as a prisoner to ensure the safe retreat of his remaining troops. With this victory, the French secure the path to Reims for Charles’ coronation. In the woods, Darc, Melissa, Liz, and Elisa hear the battle’s outcome, and Pernelle appears, mentioning a prophecy about a maiden saving France. Darc instead emphasizes that their victories are due to collective effort, not fate.[30]
The victory at Patay leads to towns like Auxerre, Troyes, and Chalons pledging allegiance to Charles.[30]
July 16, 1429: Darc and her entourage arrive in Reims, and the coronation is held the next day at Notre Dame Cathedral. Charles is anointed with sacred oil, receives the symbols of royalty, and is crowned King Charles VII. During the celebration, Charles jokingly references the prophecy about France being saved by a maiden after being cursed by a certain woman. Suddenly, the lighting inside goes out, and several people start burning alive. Minou and Isabeau de Bavière, Charles’ mother who sold France to England, enter.[30] Darc and her entourage transform to defend Charles, but Isabeau proves invulnerable to their attacks and easily defeats them. Minou declares that Darc will die within a year, and the two depart.
The group discusses their next steps, with Darc advocating for the liberation of Paris. However, Charles, now showing signs of mental instability similar to his father, hesitates and eventually disbands the army. Darc’s comrades, including Gilles and La Hire, are dispersed, leaving her to fight alone for eight months. Despite the lack of support, they continue their quest, even though they're recognized as little more than a group of mercenaries.[5]
1430: Four months into her eight-month journey, Darc is woken up by Melissa in her tent on the outskirts of Paris, with Liz commenting on her recurring dreams and Elisa urging them to hurry. A French soldier informs Jeanne and her companions that the English have a Sorciere (Witch) among their ranks, and the four of them ride toward the English fortress. They infiltrate it and defeat most English soldiers, until they encounter Minou, and one of her mindless servants. She turns the servant into a Witch and then vanishes, but Darc's team defeat the Witch together. The French soldiers celebrate La Pucelle's victory, and Cube appears, praising her.[31]
May, 1430: Darc and her friends arrive in Compiegne, a strategically important town. Minou confronts them and summons an army of mind-controlled Magical Girls, whom she transforms into Witches.[5] The battle grows more dire as Lapine joins the fray, whose grown in strength and is seeking revenge for Corbeau’s death. Lapine’s new attacks force the girls to revert often between their Magical Girl and human forms, but Liz cleverly counters her by destroying her discs. She tries to tell her that Corbeau was killed by Minou, and then to destroy her Soul Gem, but this causes her to transform into a Witch again. As the girls struggle against Lapine and the Witches, Minou knocks away a Grief Seed meant for Melissa and transports her, herself and Elisa to another Barrier, where they face more Witches. Meanwhile, Darc and Liz continue to fight against Lapine, with Darc nearing her limit.[32]
Liz immobilizes both Lapine and Darc using her shadows and summons her ultimate attack, the "Gates of Hell," a massive doorway from which shadow hands emerge. They pull Lapine, the surrounding Witches, as well as Liz herself into the void, ensuring they will never open again. As the shadows envelop her, Liz bids Darc farewell despite her protests, telling her to save Melissa and Elisa and defeat Isabeau. The gate closes, and Liz disappears, leaving Darc alone and devastated. Meanwhile, Melissa and Elisa fight the horde of Witches in their Barrier, with Elisa taking a severe injury protecting Melissa. Minou appears and she's shocked to inform them that Darc alone survived the battle. As the Barrier begins to collapse, Minou teleporta away, leaving the two to fight the rest of the Witches. Darc, now alone in the castle courtyard, is surrounded by soldiers who recognize her as a Witch fighting for the Armagnac faction. They bind, blindfold, and load her into a wagon under heavy guard.[33]
May 23, 1430: La Pucelle is captured at Compiegne by the Burgundian faction, allied with the English. This marks the beginning of the final year of Darc’s life.[33]
After her capture at Compiegne, Darc is sold to the English by her Burgundian captors and taken to Rouen. King Charles VII, despite owing his throne to Darc, refuses to pay her ransom, influenced by his fear of his mother, Isabeau, and the manipulative advice of his chamberlain, La Tremoille. Minou appears, praising Tremoille for his loyalty to Isabeau and revealing their plan to have Darc tried and executed as a heretic and a Witch.[8]
February 21, 1431: Darc is put on trial for heresy by the English, who aim to discredit Charles VII by proving his savior was a heretic. The trial, led by the biased judge Cauchon, is a sham, with Darc denied legal counsel and forced to defend herself. Despite the unjust proceedings, Darc refuses to sign the articles of accusation, maintaining her innocence.[8]
In her prison cell, Darc lies shackled and despondent. Cube visits her, revealing that Liz’s wish was to be the source of a new, true hero, and now it would never be fulfilled. He explains Liz’s past and her belief that Darc was the hero she sought, urging her to fight Isabeau. Minou and Isabeau enter the cell, and Minou mocks and tortures Darc, as well as incapacitating Cube. Outside the prison, a large-scale French assault led by Lord Richemont, La Hire, Gilles, and others aims to rescue Darc. Minou confronts the attackers, while Melissa, Elisa, and Pernelle infiltrate the prison and find Darc in her cell. Darc refuses to fight until Elisa chastises her for undervaluing herself, reveals her past of being a fake princess and explaining how, unlike her, Darc’s genuine selfless actions have inspired countless people to fight for her. Darc, moved by their words and the cries of the soldiers outside, transforms into her Magical Girl form, vowing to continue her fight to bring light to France and the world.[8] Pernelle stays behind to heal Cube while the three girls go to aid the soldiers. Isabeau arrives to Minou's side, and everyone's attacks phase right through her. Pernelle arrives to help them defend against Isabeau, and Cube explains that her invulnerability stems from a wish that made her immune to normal attacks. He reveals that due to her wish and becoming a Witch, Isabeau is now part Magical Girl, part Witch, and part Incubator. Lapine’s wish had partially resurrected Isabeau, leaving her in a dual state: a Witch controlling her human body. Isabeau transforms into her complete Witch form, Crepuscule de la Reine, summoning massive caterpillar-like creatures. Minou declares that no Magical Girl can harm Isabeau due to her own wish to make her invulnerable. Cube explains that Isabeau’s Barrier has engulfed France, and if it spreads globally, the world will lose its value to the Incubators. Darc, nearing her limit, hears Liz’s voice guiding her, and Liz’s Soul Gem appears, and she helps Darc wield her sword, declaring that Darc is now more than just a Magical Girl.[4]
Darc’s Soul Gem, now blackened and corrupted, is stabilized by Liz’s Soul Gem, which encases her left hand in a black gauntlet. Darc’s new transformation allows her to harm Isabeau, using her new powers to slice through the Witch’s appendages. She summons the "Gate of Heaven," to destroy her, and Liz’s Soul Gem crumbles after the battle, with Darc thanking her for her protection. After the battle, Darc collapses from exhaustion, her Soul Gem having become something more akin to a Grief Seed. Minou threatens Darc but lacks her powers after Isabeau’s defeat. Darc offers herself as a prisoner to prevent her transformation into a Witch, which would bring disaster to Europe. Despite Melissa and Elisa’s protests, Darc insists on her decision, as her Soul Gem is now beyond purification. Pernelle uses her magic to teleport her friends, as well as the armies away, leaving Darc alone. Minou gleefully accepts Darc’s surrender, declaring to the English army that she will execute her.[34]
Darc is taken to Rouen, where she is sentenced to death by burning at the stake as a relapsed heretic. La Hire continues to fight to rescue Darc and leads attacks on Rouen until he's captured twice. He is eventually released in a prisoner exchange for John Talbot, but despite his failures to save Darc, La Hire would become one of the most gallant generals of the French army, and a lifelong rival to John Talbot.[34]
While imprisoned, Tat has a dream about returning to her simple life in Domrémy.[35]
In the dream, one morning Cube tells her he turned back time to give her a peaceful life as a village girl named Jeanette, advising her to forget what he said.[35]
Later that day, Catherine accidentally breaks a fence while tending sheep, scattering the flock. Liz chases them into the woods and corrals two using her shadow magic before they retrieve the third and return home.[35]
On Sunday, the children gather under the Fairy Tree, making flower crowns and sharing a meal. Darc feels inexplicable heartache, as if this has all happened before.[35]
Some time later, Darc and liz travel north to help Darc's uncle and his pregnant wife. Unable to stay with him due to false labor commotion, they lodge with neighbors across from the church.[35]
The neighbors include a blind old woman who mistakes Darc for her deceased granddaughter, also named Jeanette. The family asks Darc to maintain the ruse for the grandmother's failing health, and Darc quietly pretends while liz handles the situation without lying.[35]
The next morning, they depart, but the grandmother asks Darc to return soon.[35]
Near Domremy, Catherine greets them. Their mother has returned from pilgrimage with new pasta recipes, and liz also surprises them by mentioning she enjoys pasta with honey.[35]
Darc later reflects this was all a dream. She knows Catherine is dead, her days with liz are gone, and she has known this ever since she cut her braid before Catherine's grave and became a Magical Girl.[35]
May 30, 1431: Darc is tied to a stake in a public square, and Melissa and Elisa, still recovering from their wounds, rush to the scene but are held back by soldiers. Darc communicates telepathically, urging them not to save her, as her transformation into a Witch would bring catastrophe. She shares the dream of returning to her family in Domrémy, and the flames consume her. Pernelle and Cube observe Darc’s execution, with him acknowledging that not attempting to turn her into a Witch was his form of gratitude.[34] Pernelle reflects that this experiment was flawed from the start: she learned from Jeanne that the miracles only humans could achieve came from the human heart.[2]
Pernelle observes Jeanne's execution with Cube. Cube admits he finds it difficult to understand Jeanne's choice but honored her request because she worked hard and did what he asked, calling this an act of gratitude. Pernelle tells him this is what prayer means to humans: a thought in one's heart toward all that is. Jeanne's final words are "Merci vraiment! Thank you!"[2]
Later in 1431 Paris, Pernelle returns home to Nicolas, who notices she is crying. She realizes she is shedding tears and was unaware of it. Nicolas comforts her and listens as she tells him what happened, and she acknowledges that she is sad, realizing she still has a heart. For the first time, someone other than her husband moved her so deeply, and she feels regret. Pernelle suppresses her arising emotions and tells Nicolas they should create a true Philosopher's Stone together someday. Nicolas responds that he already obtained his own Philosopher's Stone: the adorable stone right in front of his eyes, looking at him.[2]
Days after her death, Melissa and Elisa, riding through the countryside, vow to visit Darc's hometown and hold onto the hope that her soul will find peace.[34]
Later in Vaucouleurs, Melissa and Elisa arrive at night. A soldier who fought alongside them recognizes them, offers lodging, and shares stories about Darc, including how she dreamed of her sister and peaceful days before the war.[35]
They continue to the village where Darc's relatives lived and meet the family who hosted Darc and Liz years ago. The family reveals the blind grandmother likely realized the truth but found comfort in Darc's kindness, passing away peacefully saying illusions can save us even though they are not real.[35]
Melissa and Elisa proceed to Domremy, where Darc was born and first met Liz. Melissa hopes Darc's final dream was happy. As they approach, a voice asks if they came. It is Darc's.[35]
In the following years, Melissa and Elisa would work together with Pernelle to hunt many Witches across Europe, growing up and becoming Magical Girl veterans.[36]
1435: Isabeau's death is recorded in 1435, her funeral going almost completely unattended and unnaturally subdued for a queen.[34]
1440: Gilles de Rais is brought to trial for the serial murders of young boys from his fiefdom in attempts to perform occult rituals. He is convicted and sentenced to death by hanging, with his body later cremated.[34]
1453: Richemont eventually wins a political battle at court, leading to the banishment of the chamberlain La Tremoille. Richemont goes on to guide France to many victories as the overall commander of the French forces, playing a key role in the eventual French victory in the Hundred Years’ War.[34]
1453: Charles eventually wins the Hundred Years’ War, earning the title “Charles the Victorious.”[34]
1456: After Darc’s death, Charles VII convenes a new church trial to revisit her case, restoring her reputation and clearing her name.[34]
Trivia
In Episode 11, it is hinted that Cleopatra VII and Himiko were Magical Girls.
