Edo, Ginza.
Magical Girls who had finished the infected entity war gathered here by car. Thanks to Five-Color Narcissus Company building a branch here, preparing sedans was effortless, even picking up so compatriots who ca upon hearing the news.
Hibiscus instructed local representatives Anri Sakagami and Minase Kaori to contact them while stabilizing morale. The matter was over.
This war could be called a bombing that thoroughly activated the calm pond.
The Church had 40 mbers in Edo—not a small proportion. Moreover, Elsa had attracted so Single Awakening Magical Girls through magical effects, with a full 20 people joining together. Besides this, so Magical Girls who spontaneously awakened from contaminated aura or were originally hidden also actively made contact—another batch of newcors knocking on doors.
An unexpectedly great harvest.
They already had considerable goodwill toward the Church, just temporarily hadn't made contact for various reasons. Now they naturally had no reservations about the organization that had just saved their hotown.
Indeed, a good reputation was important, always providing convenience at certain tis.
Hibiscus's painstaking managent hadn't been wasted. Or rather, precisely because she knew the original Church constantly interfered in magical affairs everywhere, forcing compatriots to join, targeting human attacks, promoting racial theories—that approach was wrong, too radical. More flexible thods existed. In the new tiline, the Church had fought giant rcenaries to save Magical Girls and stood on all civilization's side to repel Catastrophic Disaster Beasts. Their deeds had duality but definitely earned compatriots' trust. Understanding these underage children's allegiance wasn't difficult.
Social animals' longing for compatriots couldn't be underestimated. Just as lonely life planted unstable seeds for causal magic users—mutually reinforcing.
The extended sedan drove through busy streets full of hurried figures, with ambulances and wounded not uncommon...
Crack!
Building collapse sounds echoed through the city, especially many places with cutting traces crumbling completely, attributable to ti slash's inconceivable sharpness.
Actually, Hibiscus had already restrained her power—otherwise ti slash could extend long enough to split apart a rift valley. Multiple battlefield verifications proved it was definitely sufficient. Unfortunately, pure cuts couldn't directly eliminate infected entities and Disaster Beasts. So guys still bit and tore with half their bodies—she needed more efficient large-scale output thods.
Temporal Cross-Section.
Though netizens had ntioned it, that required extrely exquisite magical power operation support. With this thought, the silver-haired girl's fingertips flickered with sharpness. Almost thickness-less dense threads repeatedly moved and shifted, attempting to create surfaces through line movent, yet never grasping the key.
Hibiscus's experintal actions made everyone nervous.
Miyuki said softly: "Senior Hyacinth, if you hope to improve magical operation precision, that belongs to glove Regalia's domain."
"Could you demonstrate?"
After nodding, Magical Girl Orchid entered Regalia form, manifesting only gloves yet pulling a line from thin air. Unlike spatial slashes, this was highly concentrated magical power—transforming gaseous, liquid, or even more mysterious energy forms into visible linear precision.
Nan Zhiyi, who morized various knowledge, imdiately had inspiration flash: "I rember Hibiscus saying Regalia represents different attributes, but extended developnt will present different effects!"
"Is that so?" As she spoke, Jin Ruochu also demonstrated: "If viewing causal transmission as woven lines, costs can still be reduced."
"I see!" Fellow causal magic user Elsa's eyes lit up.
As old partners, Nan Zhiyi and Hibiscus found it both amusing and exasperating, feeling quite surprised. Turns out Jin Ruochu was quietly making progress.
Indeed exceptionally gifted.
If Jin Yulu always training belonged to the effort faction, then Jin Ruochu clearly belonged to the talent faction. Not watching for a mont, she'd comprehend so principle. Appearing simple but actually having sudden insights equal to others' long efforts. Hateful protagonist, actually catching up.
Elsa suddenly asked: "What's the next stage of Origin?"
Before finishing, the silver-haired girl demonstrated. The originally dense threads at her fingertips beca highly collapsed magical power, even giving a heart-palpitating feeling.
"Origin Condensation—you've already experienced it," Hibiscus replied. "Increases instantaneous burst to block target magical power flow, and makes pressure act on spirit. Very useful when hitting relatively solid targets, targeting Origin body protection. As you can see, just a spear and shield. But most importantly, it supports magical power. Without an established Origin, magic won't manifest, so Single Awakening cos first."
Hearing this, the Magical Girls showed thoughtful expressions. Everyone had different understandings in their hearts, and the instructor wasn't anxious to define it. Sotis enlightennt was important.
A mont later.
The group finally arrived at this temporary stronghold.
Clover Idol Agency was located in Ginza, the comrcial hub where land was worth its weight in gold—a luxury area comparable to New York's Fifth Avenue. Traffic was heavy, especially with reporters very interested in the building, hoping to dig up connections between big stars and this city-saving incident.
After all, successive magical battles were closely related to the do venue, inevitably arousing irrepressible curiosity.
Reporters had prepared to block the extended sedan, but sohow they consciously made their way, standing dazed as if possessed, then watching helplessly as the group entered the agency.
They hurried because Elsa and Fuuka had infectious disease symptoms of varying degrees. Best to cure them quickly before they beca disasters.
Upstairs temporary dical room.
Hibiscus was seen grasping the hand of Fuuka on the sickbed. At this mont, Magical Girl Violet's entire body emanated infectious disease magical power, emitting wisps of black energy. Dragging this out would be extrely dangerous.
Around them gathered Magical Girls from both Clover and Church groups, everyone assembled waiting for surgical results.
Doctor Mu was the chief surgeon, targeting infectious disease lesion removal.
Don't look at Fuuka's normal idol activities—actually, as magical awakening strengthened, it instead enhanced the virulent infectious disease from childhood infection. Unfortunately, mythology magic's self-influence deepened pathogen fusion. Continuing this way would encounter mortal danger. Hibiscus also understood this, having received netizen warnings. The key tool Black Jar would serve as the first dicine.
The silver-haired girl grasped Magical Girl Violet's hand with one hand, the other raising Black Jar to actively absorb infectious disease using herself as transfer station.
"Too risky."
Weak Fuuka murmured, but was advised by Hibiscus: "Don't worry, cooperate with my magical power."
Observers were equally nervous. If today's Magical Girl ethnic group's spiritual leader had any mishaps, everyone might disperse on the spot. But only she could serve as savior.
Universal relic compatibility's power didn't disappoint. Especially under the hair accessory Regalia's ntal guidance, Black Jar fulfilled its function, helping absorb Fuuka's infectious disease and sealing it away. Fortunately, this patient's infection intensity was relatively light, so it could be resolved.
A mont later, Hibiscus breathed a sigh of relief and wiped sweat from her forehead.
"Don't worry, everything's settled. You're fine now and will have antibodies against special infectious diseases in the future."
"Thank you very much." Hearing this, Fuuka smiled brilliantly and nodded. Hard-won health made her ecstatic—she'd finally returned to normal. "According to our agreent, I'll join the Salvation Church."
Companions Miyuki, Maho, and Tsuki even brought out prepared cake to celebrate her recovery. Presumably there would be one more Triple Awakening mber next.
"Clover will all join your organization."
Even though conditions were already negotiated, out of politeness Elsa emphasized to Hibiscus once more.
"I'm honored by your trust. Please rest assured, I won't specifically break you up, since you're already a mature team."
"We could master abilities so quickly thanks to those Church advertisents—could be called Senior Hyacinth's students. Moreover, father told to learn more from you all."
Magical Girl Chrysanthemum was the first in her team to awaken, and coincidentally group mbers successively succeeded. Unfortunately, initially they completely didn't understand controlling magical power, techniques, Origin, etc. Thanks to the Church providing intelligence disguised as fitness advertisents, Clover got through difficult tis. Compatriots would attract each other anyway, plus causal magic's amplification effect made Elsa virtually a gaphone in the circle, practically shouting to Magical Girls that gathering points existed here.
The reason for only now exposing to the Church was because Hermit Island's intensive training seamlessly connected to the catastrophe war, instead leaving a gap period.
A dangerous ti.
Bluntly speaking, if only self-controlling magical power, causal-type Elsa would have exploded first.
Anyway, everything was safe. The Clover team that weathered this crisis was completely devoted. Facts proved everyone should join hands facing risks—otherwise just Disaster Beast searching would be enough to drink a bitter cup.
Hibiscus asked: "What impression does the Church give you? This isn't an interview question—I want to hear Magical Girl Chrysanthemum's honest thoughts."
If the other party completely favored humans, different position arrangents would be needed.
She said sincerely: "Actually, for the Church doesn't have so many halos of saving the world, repelling catastrophes, etc. You all are rights fighters for the Magical Girl ethnic group, foreseeing earlier than anyone the inevitable trend of future differentiation from humans. Right, after all you're the prophet Senior Hyacinth. Anyway, for our fellow successors, for the destined supernatural world, I'm willing to contribute to the organization without hesitation."
"What if your next work involves facing the public and contacting various people, incidentally promoting Magical Girls?"
"...I ultimately belong here. Perhaps I'll create an affable persona out of political necessity, but we all understand that as magical enrichnt increasingly intensifies, society ultimately won't accommodate so inadaptable ones. Just like geological climate changes had gymnosperm eras, giant insect eras, etc.—nothing to do with morality, just elimination."
"Exactly."
Hibiscus nodded, inevitably surprised in her heart, not hiding her appreciative gaze.
You can't judge people by appearance, much less determine a politician by surface activities. Who knew the original Chrysanthemum who wholeheartedly served humans had seen through future situations from the start.
At this mont, Elsa speaking from the heart revealed her true feelings, believing the world had its own evolutionary process—the difference was whether to promote it.
Of course, people could change too. Actually, the Q&A wasn't about displaying a stance but proving discernnt. Anyway, the Managent Bureau was just a temporary shell for the Salvation Church's external face. As long as the leader didn't turn her elbows outward, it was fine. Moreover, stable Chrysanthemum would perform better.
Causal types tended toward order. When humans were strong, she'd be affable to them; when Magical Girls were independent and strong, she'd favor compatriots. Perhaps Elsa witnessed strength and was thus convinced.
Magical Girls could dominate an era—the high command led by Hyacinth proved this point.
The new tiline's Elsa approved of Hibiscus's approach so far, thus gladly joining. Facts proved the transford Salvation Church was very successful—making friends nurous and enemies few. Many powerful figures were willing to cooperate.
Chatting to their heart's content, Hibiscus and Elsa shook hands with considerable mutual understanding.
Nan Zhiyi stood between them and coughed:
"Let's talk business. Now Clover is connected to the Magical Girls who saved the city. We've left too many traces—what should we do?"
Jin Ruochu added: "Using my fortune blessing can't catch up either, because exposure clues are probably part of magical costs. We must find ways to handle the public opinion crisis. What if Clover's connection to the Church is exposed? How does everyone view..."
"It's fine."
The focus of everyone's attention, Hibiscus, instead waved her hand with a relaxed expression: "Exposure to sunlight doesn't an our deterrent power decreases. Instead, it will reassure people and make them willing to bring the Church to the table. Moreover, we won't directly appear. Also, soone will provide reference opinions."
Before finishing, knocking sounded. After receiving permission, the person entered—clearly Jin Yulu looking travel-worn.
After her guard mission ended, she took the fastest flight across the North Pacific.
Elsa imdiately stood up to greet: "You should be Miss Imperial Flower who protected father and mother. Thank you very much—I'll rember this kindness."
"It's nothing. They're both good people who will contribute more in the future. Moreover, I was following orders."
Feeling the gaze, Hibiscus replied: "After this operation, Mr. Miller's influence is sufficient for rights legislation to advance another step. But we've stayed silent, leaving him fighting alone isn't right either. Also, Anri and Kaori received Winter Company invitations—obviously both sides are busy competing. They all expect so change. If the Church doesn't respond, we'll fall behind instead."
"Right, I brought a new draft that can be announced anyti." As she spoke, Jin Yulu took out a thick stack of docunts.
What mattered wasn't content but the tendency it represented.
The silver-haired girl stood up and said:
"Hiding and skulking was never our goal. The key is playing the right cards at the right ti. Since we've gotten everything we should, why not hold a press conference? Right, Elsa?"
"So right here, imdiately?"
"Better to act today than wait for a better day."
The two looked at each other and nodded. The other Magical Girls also raised their spirits 120 percent, imdiately acting according to instructions without much communication...
After a while, a temporary venue was set up in the agency building's ground floor reception hall. Noisy people gathered here, with long and short caras plus flashing lights and shutter sounds filling the room. Even reporters who usually loved big news and grand scenes felt a tense atmosphere.
Soon Elsa ca to the podium. Her initial appearance brought complete silence, because her Regalia attire was quite magnificent.
"Many people say we have connections to the Church. I must clarify—this isn't a rumor."
"Also, I am Chrysanthemum."
Planet Gaia was destined to rember December 30, 1990—the world that had explosive news throughout the second half of the year ended this extraordinary year with the most explosive news:
"Famous Idol Group Clover Announces All mbers' Magical Girl Identities"
To show persuasiveness and backing spirit, the press conference had Hyacinth, Imperial Flower, Dandelion, and Manjusaka all make appearances—truly an all-star lineup, with Salvation Church Leadership gathered.
Though inevitably making people think "is this all the people you have," no one dared underestimate Magical Girl achievents. This was a historic mont.
Simultaneously, Managent Bureau plans and rights legislation were officially announced.
The entire process was only 20 minutes—just enough for introductions and greetings, yet created worldwide talking points.
Actually, Hibiscus was just copying the original storyline's Managent Bureau-related draft provided by netizens, having Elsa read it as new official authority establishnt. The result was worldwide attention for ticulous planning and series of constructive innovative clauses. At least it proved one point: the Church had experts, and they'd thought about this matter long ago, choosing the most crucial mont to play a winning hand while maintaining flexibility.
The Church threw out a plan as the front stage, with core managent being star teams already public figures. The two's obvious subordinate institutional posture was actually quite flexible.
The press conference ended hurriedly.
When Elsa said goodbye and left the hall, not one reporter caught up—everyone was still in shock, unable to speak for a long ti.
First, they actually didn't dare offend and question under faint pressure. Second, stop standing around—hurry and write news articles.
Speakers left hastily, reporters were busier, almost surging out of Clover Idol Agency to return to news agencies. At the sa ti, major dia began spreading news to announce to the world. Without Magical Girls' worry, they were eager to create citywide storms. Various headlines began jumping out:
"My idol and my hero are the sa person—so happy"
"Salvation Church first reveals mber information—what other key points have we overlooked besides this"
"Let's revisit information about the Clover idol group—so far, confird Magical Girl and ability performance characteristic information compiled as follows..."
"Edo officials call for respecting Magical Girl privacy rights and related news ethics laws, otherwise considering prosecution, ordering news agencies to follow basic legal regulations"
"rcenary Alliance highly praises Managent Bureau proposal"
"Disaster Beast Counterasure forces express welco, expecting further bilateral cooperation"
Carnival continued. Even upcoming New Year activities seed overshadowed. For fun-seekers, they were excited to sleeplessness, thanking Magical Girls for bringing another wave to the world. For involved parties, even with preparations they were shocked by the excitent.
Clover mbers' families weren't public figures, plus knowing children's situations sowhat and various protections, so impact wasn't great. But what about those already public figures?
dia unanimously thought of Senator Miller's na. Turns out you thick-browed guy had always been closely involved.
Too good at hiding.
Thinking carefully, many things connected. No wonder he could accurately capture Church clues, no wonder Magical Girls also trusted him. Truth revealed.
From another angle, Miller had always been working hard for his daughter.
As an experienced veteran politician, he imdiately captured opportunities. The self-taught senator quickly labeled himself with "good father," "family harmony," "enduring humiliation," etc. Actually, most politicians responded to voters' "expectations of ideal personality." Miller with dramatic experiences could be called reaching heaven in one step—this capital trip completely established his influence.
He never imagined that one day his own daughter would excel enough to deliver such assists, making him beam with joy whenever thinking about it.
According to his wife, "practically wanting to print Elsa's portrait on his suit"—quite nauseating. Anyway, nothing was more refreshing than career ascension.
Though Miller had never interacted with the legendary Church Leader Hyacinth, political sensitivity told him Magical Girls were advancing through repeated tests to gain special status, or more precisely—
Privilege.
Clover seed exposed but was more like going with the flow—you think you caught their tail? They remain aloof. Attack Magical Girl families? Even those without household registration would be stopped by those with it. Can you attack their forces? The Managent Bureau hasn't even started yet.
No, should say the Church used this to hide their real open forces.
Miller recalled previous dical approval interest exchanges and smiled knowingly. Very good—he was happy his daughter worked with brainy people.
On the other side.
Jin Changfeng in Ningfeng Harbor was preparing to increase Edo market investnt when he received news: "Salvation Church first announces mber information and proposes Managent Bureau plan." Truly unprecedented—he imdiately thought of Hibiscus's face. Though young, definitely scheming.
Advancing by retreating, the seemingly exposed Clover team pressured by public opinion actually served as a smokescreen hiding the real big fish. The Salvation Church hid even deeper.
"Boss Hibiscus is indeed clever."
Even well-experienced Jin Changfeng couldn't help but praise, thinking Magical Girls might be young but couldn't be asured by human age, especially elite who already wrestled with figures that counted as major players on the world stage. As a small organization, the Church had reached its limits. Putting himself in their position, he completely didn't know how to lead a supernatural society step by step.
He incidentally began paying attention to Senator Miller, feeling it was worth learning from. After all, his own simple daughter might expose herself soday—old father would definitely be surrounded by dia.
The two should have common language. Perhaps he could ask his son in North Arica to make contact.
Jin Changfeng was increasingly satisfied with the Church's working style. He hadn't misjudged—that Miss Hibiscus was quite capable.
Originally thought Jin Ruochu joined a small group with unclear prospects, unexpectedly they kept singing triumphant songs, always seizing opportunities to soar.
Now he wasn't worried anymore. As long as the Church didn't speak up, he didn't need to ddle. The other party was on today's magnificent stage, directly facing these sches. He just hoped after experiencing all this, they wouldn't beco boring people too early.
anwhile.
After receiving news, Pasha took a private jet from European headquarters at fastest speed to headquarters.
What was destined to happen still happened. Even she had to admire Chairman Bohr's judgnt, actually accurately guessing the Church would develop openly—were they facing a three-way standoff?
Regardless, Pasha once had friendship with Magical Girls and this was jurisdiction news—she should make a trip.
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