Hibiscus's rare declaration of preferring to seize treasures by force carried a pirate-like atmosphere that allowed Jin Ruochu to see the adventurous spirit of that sharp-tongued father. They were all the sa type, understanding each other perfectly.
Then the silver-haired girl explained the basic situation while manipulating Hermit Island's movent, especially regarding the infectious disease-cultivating relic Black Jar.
She wasn't comfortable entrusting it to others. Moreover, completing related tasks would provide corresponding relic knowledge, allowing more convenient use of it—at least better than the current indiscriminate striking.
Hearing this, Jin Ruochu nodded solemnly.
For Magical Girl Manjusaka, she should take responsibility as a senior when necessary. Although she actually preferred business operations, magical matters weren't bad either. Jin Ruochu, who had originally planned to report North Arican business progress and leave, decided to stay. If it was sothing Doctor Mu wanted, she didn't mind lending a hand.
"Also... I heard Pasha's behavior of seeking contact with magical girls has caused so military dissatisfaction. Two sets of plans are competing endlessly, which perfectly echoes your intelligence."
"Whether it's called Managent Bureau, Foundation, or whatever organization na doesn't matter. What's important is that our organization won't accept any single party's proposal alone." Hibiscus said quietly: "If we're not independent and autonomous from the start, there won't be opportunities later."
"So I don't understand how they're arguing without knowing the party involved's opinion."
Jin Ruochu saw it as completely ridiculous and absurd theater.
"It's all perford for us to see. They know they can't accomplish this without the Church's support, so they first announce plans to test the waters as probing." Hibiscus smiled.
"But everyone underestimated Lord Hyacinth's determination. Facing these generous additional conditions, she remains completely unmoved—just floating clouds."
Jin Ruochu, who understood each other perfectly, knew Hibiscus's stance had always been third party, never constrained by any faction. Even if the Managent Bureau was launched in the future, it would just be a smokescreen on the surface, instead hiding the truly elite Salvation Church deeper. An iceberg only shows a small tip, giving a sense of tranquil coldness, little knowing the massive volu below is sufficient to overturn ten-thousand-ton ships.
Whoosh!
Just as Hermit Island with its barrier entered Okinawa Island's range, a magical pressure suddenly emanated.
Rather than calling it the aura from Disaster Beasts, it was more like roars from infected entities. The power pervaded with infection spread in all directions, quite like Black Tide's erosive atmosphere back then, unstoppably sweeping forth.
At the sa ti, the island's radio received public channel warnings: "Attention, attention, large-scale infected entity incidents have erupted in this sea area. Avoid imdiately. Repeat..."
The two girls exchanged glances and nodded—they'd co to the right place.
Jin Ruochu asked: "Are we sailing the island directly in?"
"Of course not, otherwise we'd easily get contaminated." Before finishing, Hibiscus stopped the magical power supply, letting the barrier tend toward concealnt. "We'll walk the rest of the way ourselves. Although I think it's better to keep a low profile while obtaining the relic, we'll make a big fuss depending on the situation."
Full Transformation!
The two determined girls imdiately entered complete combat posture. Magical power beca active, blood surged passionately, and strength continuously flowed from their hearts.
One pink and one black figure cut through the storm around Hermit Island and rushed into the vicinity of Okinawa Island military base. Due to their relatively slow flight speed, they hadn't attracted attention yet.
They hadn't expected things to be lively enough already:
The fortress group that once guarded the island chain to intercept Disaster Beasts was now filled with smoke and continuous explosions.
Because it originally served partially as a laboratory imprisoning nurous Disaster Beasts and infected entities, the numbers exceeded even the battle at Eagle Company headquarters. Sure enough, hundreds and thousands of Disaster Beasts surged from the island. Not only that, but large numbers of humans, marine life, and others had beco frenzied infected entities, roaring and vowing to destroy everything within sight, launching indiscriminate attacks. The problem was that relic power leakage caused internal blooming, leaving the garrison completely unprepared. They could only organize scattered land firepower points to cooperate with the fleet in clearing operations, with artillery having to be aid at forr strongholds.
Before one wave settled, another arose. Such a big commotion attracted large numbers of Disaster Beasts from the Pacific Fallen Zone's edge. They urgently hoped to get a piece of the action—whether the aura scattered by relics or experintal subjects in poor condition could all beco food.
Boom!
A warship encountered fierce ramming from sea Disaster Beasts, producing earth-shaking sounds and announcing the intervention of monsters rushing from edge zones into the battlefield. They unhesitatingly charged toward every human gathering area.
Non-military base islands still had large numbers of civilians. Fortunately, evacuation had begun, while the air force was providing fire suppression to firmly hold the line.
Seeing this, Jin Ruochu and Hibiscus suppressed their impulse to act.
Worthy of troops guarding the Pacific region for years—even when encountering sudden attack accidents, they quickly organized resistance.
Their field response, command coordination, and weapons equipnt were all comndable. Although obviously not as good as the Arctic Allied Forces' elite among elites, don't forget their opponents weren't catastrophic communities either. It belonged to excellent matching chanisms—at least under sa-tier conditions, the garrison held advantages without problem.
As ti passed, this busy sea area was about to beco the world's focus. No one expected large-scale infection to reappear, involuntarily recalling when Black Wing scattered infection.
"It's best to take away the infection relic before this becos a hotspot." Hibiscus declared.
"Do you know the location?"
"Not clear, but it should be in the experintal building's main structure."
The silver-haired girl pointed into the distance. It was clearly the low white building on the main island continuously gushing infection-attribute magical power—torrential and turbulent, roaring furiously. Ordinary people might not be able to judge, but to sensitive magical creatures, it was like lights on a midsumr night. Unfortunately, the specific location was still unclear, so they had to consider whether to risk entering the building to search for the infectious disease relic Black Jar.
"Don't act rashly, let try." Jin Ruochu casually picked up a pebble, pressed her palms together and muttered: "Heaven spirits, earth spirits, anyway, quickly show the way."
Snap!
She threw the pebble, which traced an arc and was perfectly blown by wind to hit a certain window on the experintal building's second floor. The two familiar with Fortune and Misfortune magic chanisms imdiately realized the mont had arrived—even if there wasn't a relic there, clues were stored.
With this thought, they were about to head over when they heard crack sounds. The bulletproof glass shattered inch by inch as a black figure leaped out.
It was a girl whose elaborate clothing and magical reaction obviously belonged to Regalia, but her entire form was blurry, making specific details difficult to discern. Most importantly, she maintained dark tones, pitch black all over, with a face like a lake. Then she tilted her head, sizing up Jin Ruochu and Hibiscus while also reflecting two faces, displaying weirdness.
At the sa ti, countless infrared beams from upstairs aid at the black figure. She clearly gripped a black obsidian cylinder emitting terrifying aura.
After searching everywhere to no avail, they'd found it, but getting it would take so effort.
At this mont, in front of the experintal building, Jin Ruochu and Hibiscus faced off with the shadow girl, all sides stunned by each other, not understanding what was happening, temporarily not daring to act rashly.
Click-clack!
The sound of assault rifles chambering rounds and changing magazines, along with infrared beams, broke the confrontational silence. At this mont, the experintal building and nearby beaches were all ard with loaded weapons. Although they recognized the famous Church mbers, duty bound them to sternly remind:
"Illegal relic possessors, please imdiately stop moving and submit to investigation. You have an obligation to cooperate."
The words that should have commanded hands up and lying down changed at the last mont, because the soldiers clearly felt a new pressure rising.
This robbery case had two groups—there might be fighting!
The captain responsible for protecting relics had a headache. Originally, those idiots leaking relic power ant for Winter Company was troubleso enough, and sure enough, it attracted a whole bunch of demons and monsters. Even the world-famous Hyacinth planned to get involved. Now things had blown up—the Church Leader with built-in spotlight effects would definitely expose everything once she appeared. Terrible.
During the brief silence, Hibiscus was actually taking photos and asking questions. After all, with intelligence advantages, she must make full use of them. The answers didn't disappoint.
Summoning magic, Shadow Warrior.
User: Magical Girl Gentian, mber of Chrysanthemum's team. Characteristic manifestations: pitch black all over, mimicking all faces viewed as strong. Internally possesses 50% magical effects of a specific magical girl, but excels in immortality, stealth, and even damage immunity. If willing, can serve as a body double for public activities.
Other magical details couldn't be conveyed in ti, but regardless, the opponent's target definitely ca from Chrysanthemum's mission: seize or destroy the military base's infectious disease cultivation.
Hibiscus imdiately told Jin Ruochu the rough intelligence. The latter was shocked for a mont then cald her emotions.
She was used to strange things.
Going on missions with Doctor Mu was full of security.
The silver-haired girl completely ignored the ard environnt aiming at her surroundings, proactively extending her hand and saying quietly:
"Lord Gentian, your main body should be able to share information through Shadow Warrior, right? Let us skip the troubleso self-introduction steps and speak frankly—only I know the specific thod to control Black Jar. Even if you forcibly possess it, you'll encounter loss of control. Please hand it to , and I'll provide corresponding compensation."
"...My mission is to prevent infection spread." The substitute's hoarse hiss.
"You've done half of it."
"Sorry, I'm still just a newcor." Unexpectedly, the substitute's voice suddenly beca very clear: "The distance is too far—I can't fully control Shadow Warrior."
Before finishing, the ethereal ntal connection surrounding the shadow completely severed and disappeared. The next mont, the magical product roared skyward, completely out of control. At the sa ti, it raised Black Jar high, and hundreds of surrounding garrison troops suddenly shouted fervently:
"Long live, long live great Shadow Warrior, our most beloved lord——"
An atmosphere like religious pilgrimage swept forth. Regardless of soldiers or civilians around, they all sward forward, surrounding everyone.
By now, even Jin Ruochu and Hibiscus had to temporarily fly up and retreat. However, in the blink of an eye, there was a sea of people in front of the experintal building. Even under artillery fire, pressure waves, and Disaster Beast landings, it didn't affect their pilgrimage. Looking carefully, everyone's eyes were actually bright and their thinking ticulous, with no traces of ntal control—more like rushing forward regardless of everything for love.
"Can your Shadow Warrior do this?" Jin Ruochu scratched her pink long hair.
"No, this is copying the prototype's effects."
Hibiscus speculated about one manifestation of that magic the netizens were highly wary of, then brushed it aside in her mind—rember it but don't form stereotyped impressions.
Just as they hesitated, the crowd escorted Shadow Warrior toward the beach. If infectious disease encountered water transmission, it would be more terrifying.
The troops responsible for experintal building defense had clearly lost combat effectiveness, all becoming religious fanatics. They couldn't be counted on. Distant troops were constrained by Disaster Beasts and couldn't provide support. Moreover, they didn't plan to intervene in magical girl battles—you settle the victory among yourselves, then we'll talk with the victor.
Ti Stop!
Seeing the situation rapidly deteriorating, Hibiscus decisively activated Sands of Ti magic, leisurely walking in the absolutely still silver desert to take Black Jar.
She easily obtained it by touching the item to cancel ti stop without affecting Shadow Warrior.
But at the sa ti, a magical fluctuation transmitted throughout the girl's body. In an instant, she actually developed "attachnt feelings" toward Shadow Warrior, unwilling to leave. This wasn't an attack that broke through ti stop but conceptual—touching objects affected by magical effects caused similar contamination.
At the critical mont, Hibiscus bit her tongue. Pain recalled what little remained, but she still felt reluctant to leave Shadow Warrior.
Already delayed to the 15th second.
Who knew how violently this move affected non-ti-stop environnts? The key wasn't so kind of attack, abnormal status, or ntal control, but heartfelt recognition, trust, and admiration, allowing manipulation without complaint.
Really troubleso—it was actually control-type magic! Sands of Ti's relative flow skill also counted as control, but this guy's control was closer to magic's essence.
Hibiscus calmly suppressed perception as much as possible and used the accessory's ntal power protection to counter. When that unwilling-to-leave thought in her heart slightly weakened, she distanced herself and withdrew—otherwise, consequences would be unpredictable.
Cancel!
The scene of Sands of Ti flowing disappeared, replaced by Shadow Warrior staring blankly at her empty palm.
Jin Ruochu exclaid: "Careful of magical contamination!"
She clearly saw Hibiscus's right hand continuously blistering and developing red rashes, visibly festering at an alarming rate. Had she relaxed Origin body protection for that instant? Moreover, this infection from relics couldn't be easily removed—once contaminated, even magical girls might suffer disability. At this mont, Jin Ruochu was anxious as fire but didn't dare approach to help, caught in a dilemma.
"I see—attachnt manifests not only psychologically but also by dropping guard to actively embrace everything, including deadly attacks, so it can always deal true damage to targets."
Ti Slash!
A translucent thread severed Hibiscus's right arm at the root. Together with Black Jar, it fell to the ground, turning to white bones and even lting. The next mont, click-crack sounds ca from the wound cross-section as bones grew like tree branches weaving into elbow, palm bones, and finger joints, then wrapping with tendons and skin until completely restored.
Such a terrifying regeneration rate—even Jin Ruochu, also at Seedling Stage, marveled. Behind this must be massive magical power and robust physique.
Hibiscus picked up Black Jar with her new arm, except careful observation showed her skin didn't truly contact the relic—both sides were separated by a thin telekinetic mbrane to avoid infection.
Just now it was very dangerous.
Ordinary limb severance couldn't stop infection. Thanks to Sands of Ti skills having the concept of "severing that arm's temporal connection with the main body," she managed to escape—otherwise, trouble.
Could universal relic compatibility ta it?
Hibiscus wasn't eager to verify whether her universal relic compatibility qualifications were enough to subdue Black Jar, but at least she could try suppressing its power.
With this thought, she simply removed the telekinetic mbrane isolation and truly grasped the notorious infectious disease relic. After losing that strange love magic influence, the silver-haired girl clearly felt the relic's rhythm closely connecting with herself.
Now's the chance!
Hibiscus focused her mind and commanded Black Jar to shut down its abilities.
The pitch-black evil magical power visibly plumted. She obviously felt the surrounding air was much fresher, and the infected entities that should have spread rapidly were slightly contained.
Worthy of system-produced universal relic compatibility—seeing the major threat fall into decline, she finally breathed a sigh of relief, then openly pocketed it in front of many people.
Jin Ruochu gave a thumbs up and declared loudly: "Only Lady Hyacinth can ta this relic. Giving it to others is too dangerous."
"Thank you for the support."
However, so people weren't appreciative. The Shadow Warrior, robbed of spoils, held her head and roared continuously, her pressure continuously climbing. The next mont, the pink-haired girl rushed forward. The crowd surrounding it as human shields all tumbled and fell, opening a path as if prostrating to welco Jin Ruochu's arrival. Facing enemies who hard Hibiscus, Jin Ruochu showed no rcy, delivering a full-force punch carrying misfortune toward Shadow Warrior.
Thud! Fierce power like a locomotive's impact sent it flying. The massive kinetic energy tore the black figure into wisps of black smoke—the magical product was eliminated.
The user probably wasn't at Seedling Stage level. Copying prototypes was also half-hearted, naturally no match. The opponent's purpose was definitely to safely control Black Jar without exposing themselves. Against ordinary soldiers, they were like entering uninhabited territory, but facing battle-tested Manjusaka, they were easily defeated.
The mont Shadow Warrior disappeared, people awakened as if from dreams, touching their heads and recovering sowhat.
They were no longer fanatical but had a lingering aftertaste.
From the magical effect's application subjects' reactions, from beginning to end it didn't seem like suffering control. Even after the user left, there were lingering feelings and yearning. Both spine-chilling and disgusting.
The soldiers ca to their senses and looked at the two magical girls with complex emotions. Why did everyone co to rob things?
The two shrugged, completely ignoring the slightly accusatory gazes. Rather, they should bla you for recklessly stirring up trouble until it beca uncontrollable. Although the relic's effects were paused, the already-produced infected entities and attracted Disaster Beasts wouldn't stop.
Boom!
A fortress on the beachhead exploded into fla clouds, announcing destruction. Infected entities transford from people and animals on shore officially joined with sea Disaster Beasts.
They were quite amateurish. After the whole world witnessed Catastrophic Disaster Beast groups' orderly military-like formation, this level belonged to small fry, but they excelled in massive numbers that swept everything away. The military base's main island and surrounding archipelago were ravaged by monsters. Everyone had to fight individually, unable to form coordination. Warships that should provide fire support had to intercept Disaster Beast groups coming from afar, and air forces also couldn't clear mixed targets on a large scale.
At this point, it was equivalent to a Pacific war zone stronghold about to fall.
Don't look at insufficient enemy numbers from beginning to end—actually, there should be continuous Disaster Beasts forming a line from fallen zones. Once thoroughly provoked, it would be troubleso.
"Really bad luck." Jin Ruochu spread her hands helplessly. "Just leaving like this feels wrong."
"Since we ca, let's help out," Hibiscus replied.
"How?"
"The outer island periter doesn't need our concern. It's not far from land-based facilities, so support can arrive anyti. The key is infected entities on the island must be cleared. You go east, I'll go west. Circle around and return here."
The two exchanged glances and nodded. The next mont, they rose together into the sky, then swept over Disaster Beasts and infected entities one after another, scattering magical projectiles like raindrops.
Similar moves had been demonstrated by Magical Girl Hyacinth on Island 24, single-handedly clearing a hillside.
Now two Seedling Stage magical girls attacking with full force was no less than strategic bombing.
Even simply throwing concentrated magical light beams was comparable to aviation bombs, especially with stronger killing effects against Disaster Beasts and infected entities. Combined with speed, they were truly unstoppable. Only ordinary-type attackers couldn't even grab their sleeves, only seeing figures sweep past followed by explosions filling their vision.
Full-speed flight!
At this mont, magical power condensed behind Jin Ruochu and Hibiscus like ribbons trailing across the sky—the forr like scattered cherry petals, the latter weaving silver threads. Just like Sky Cherry and Lyra identification codes, they cleared most attackers in just a few breaths of circling.
Wherever they passed, explosions continued endlessly, leaving deep craters with targets reduced to ashes. From beginning to end, they encountered no worthy opponents—complete crushing battles.
The garrison had no chance to intervene, only waiting for results.
Most importantly, while weapons were blind and easily caused friendly fire, attacks controlled by magical girls could make magical explosions occur at zero distance without harming people. Therefore, they could freely clear monsters inside the island. In the blink of an eye, these guys suffered heavy losses and posed no threat. Moreover, under pressure, they crawled prostrate, not daring to move, being picked off one by one by heavy firepower. The direct impact of infectious disease leakage within the troubleso base was contained.
Distant non-military base islands with more civilians erupted in cheers, people offering thanks and anticipating the two helpers' arrival.
"Long live the Salvation Church——"
"Please be sure to stay and accept gifts."
Unfortunately, it was not to be.
After achieving their goal, Jin Ruochu and Hibiscus no longer lingered in battle. One burst created a sonic boom, carrying magical trail lines as they disappeared beyond the horizon, where at so unknown ti clouds and mist swirled, hiding lightning and thunder like a paradise actively welcoming the magical girls.
Everyone could only watch the pink and white streams of light completely leave the battlefield—perhaps they never belonged to the mortal world.
Regardless, everyone at least saved their lives. Otherwise, letting infectious disease spread and Disaster Beast attraction dual pressures fernt would definitely be extrely dangerous, even catastrophic.
The garrison, freed from worries, finally concentrated firepower against enemies outside the island and gained advantage. Victory would soon be decided.
But for the many behind-the-scenes figures watching Okinawa Island military base, tension was just beginning: the infectious disease relic incident definitely couldn't be covered up. A solid scandal—the urgent matter was how to clean up the ss. Moreover, there was a batch of finished products stored in Edo, equivalent to relic power derivatives. Did this an they actually weren't safe either?
Scary to think about.
Although the war in this sea area was nearing its end, the many gazes surrounding it were full of wild thoughts. They understood the Salvation Church's intervention was equally important.
The great prophet Hyacinth definitely foresaw the coming tragedy and personally arrived on scene, incidentally conveying a signal: you're not allowed to make too big a fuss.
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