As the Villain, I Have a Persuasion System Chapter 148 : High-Profile Entry into the Arctic Circle

Polar Theater Base 5, Bering Strait section.

Commander Owen maintained routine contact with headquarters as always, with both sides checking the latest distribution map of Disaster Beast activities, showing southward migration signs.

The staff officer warned: "Currently confird that with catastrophe-affiliated Disaster Beast activity, they've also swept along so ordinary species leaving the Arctic Circle. All bases have interception reports—it might spread along with infection. Sir, should we send reconnaissance teams to scout ahead?"

"It won't work. In this icy wilderness lacking supplies, no matter how many troops we send, we won't make a splash."

"You an..."

"Continue applying to headquarters for reinforcents. If they refuse, don't pressure either." Owen angrily slamd the table mid-sentence. "Constantly withdrawing forces to the holand—what's the aning? Aren't we the united forces against Disaster Beasts? So annoying."

The base had only 3,000 people total, completely unable to launch offensives, only able to adopt conservative tactics, yet worried about Disaster Beast armies erging from heavy snow—that would be near-certain death.

Their urgent priority was taking inventory of supplies to ensure surviving the winter with reduced supply support.

Both Owen and the staff officer knew they'd reached their limit—a clever housewife can't cook without rice. Pressuring him was useless.

However, military orders were like mountains—headquarters kept applying pressure. Things like "Now the united forces need to take tough offensive action against Arctic Circle fallen zones to restore confidence—not just public opinion, but actual results. Staying in place won't get you anything. You must actively seek the enemy" and such.

Each had their difficulties.

Bering Strait base also hoped to achieve rit and gain military credit, but unfortunately they weren't recruited during the catastrophe war, lacking experienced veterans in this area.

Commander Owen fell silent at the incoming call, finally having to agree.

But combat now was too easy to get killed.

Arctic Circle natural conditions were harsh, frequently recording minus 40 degrees. Siberian cold fronts stirred up winds like giant hands slapping bodies. Even the finest cold-weather gear would likely freeze solid after a day outdoors. Not to ntion carrying heavy weapons and equipnt, marching thousands of miles to reach fallen zones, then fighting Disaster Beasts fearless of harsh environnts to the death? Wishful thinking—not treating human lives as precious.

After hanging up, Owen frowned and sighed: "Are these guys ti travelers from World War I? Just know how to keep urging attacks then sacrificing lives."

The staff officer replied: "Headquarters just wants results. After all, rcenary poaching is frequent. Strange that private military groups could infiltrate public armies."

"There wasn't much difference to begin with. For higher-ups, it doesn't matter—just changing positions."

"According to news, the Managent Bureau—no, the Salvation Church will strike Arctic fallen zones. Maybe we can pick up so results along the way."

"Magical Girls aren't our allies. I don't quite trust it."

Most military personnel remained vigilant, especially after the Winter Company representing the rcenary Alliance got cozy with the Managent Bureau. In many people's eyes, Lady Hyacinth had already chosen sides for the supernatural era—both sides probably lacked common ground.

Woo!

Suddenly piercing alarm sounds cut through the sky, echoing throughout the base. Logically it should sound several tis representing Disaster Beast intensity, but the continuous wailing was confusing and tangled.

"Report!" The adjutant burst into the office looking shocked. "Colonel, Hermit Island is passing through the Bering Strait!"

"What does that an?"

"You co outside with and you'll understand with one look."

They walked out of the office to the outdoor terrace, from where they could take in the entire base and even the Bering Strait. According to weather forecasts, it should be quite cold during this period—enough to freeze both sides of the strait, with strong winds and snow. But the 3,000 garrison troops actually discovered brilliant light breaking through, with a ray of sunlight illuminating the earth.

Sothing was tearing through mist and speeding forward—across the water was a lush island, with its greatest landmark being a rainbow-encircled mountain and mirror-like refractions.

The famous Hermit Island, Salvation Church Headquarters, serving as ammunition during the catastrophe war.

Though small among nurous scattered islands, its fa rose to world's first with the Church's reputation. Children believed in it like believing in fairy tales—an existence walking out of fantasy stories. A mysterious island isolated from the world, coming and going freely, charging thousands of miles, repeatedly saving the world. Through ancient years, even rivers of ti couldn't hide a passionate guardian heart. Its righteous stance charging toward Disaster Beast battlefields surpassed all collection.

Crack!

The next mont, garrison troops clearly saw a ravine split before the island, with massive icebergs instantly fracturing—natural barriers becoming thoroughfares.

"...Simply Moses parting the sea."

Commander Owen stared blankly witnessing glaciers that troubled them actively opening paths for the Salvation Church. What imnse power? What kind of magic cut a 10-kiloter opening through the strait, forcibly carving out a passage? And you shouldn't be able to pass through anyway.

Anyone with eyes could see Hermit Island exceeded the Bering Strait's capacity limits—it would definitely get stuck no matter what.

Yet miracles continued. Under everyone's gaze, it smoothly passed through the strait's narrow mouth, edges like jelly first contracting then squeezing through and recovering original form.

Sothing's wrong!

Rather than truly physically passing through the strait, it leaned toward spatial gliding, so the passage was just to provide a foothold.

United Forces Colonel Owen knew more than ordinary people, having heard about spatial relics. Now this world-unique item was firmly controlled by Magical Girls—seems they weren't lying about going to suppress.

"Look at the island's edges!"

"So many Disaster Beast corpses."

"Materials actually washed ashore."

Soldiers noticed Disaster Beast figures scattered at Hermit Island's crowded compression points—representing another achievent by the Salvation Church. Clearly they fought all the way, truly fitting the Magical Girl Organization's consistent tough style—practically death gods to Disaster Beasts.

Simultaneously, a broadcast echoed: "We're passing through harmlessly. Please everyone be careful to avoid us"—obviously the Salvation Church proactively making a statent, giving face.

Actually, they could've charged through openly without anyone able to stop them—more deterrent than an aircraft carrier battle group, since this team recently made Catastrophe Disaster Beasts retreat in disgrace.

Owen picked up the radio, connecting to base broadcast and loudly replying: "Bon voyage."

No need for extra words. Trust in the world's number one Magical Girl Organization's power—they should be busy writing reports instead.

The staff officer suggested: "As long as we strengthen patrols around the area, we should encounter many Disaster Beast remnants—can count as achievents. Once the Church engages the fallen zone, overflowing intimidation should drive away ordinary species, and there should be tracking investigation orders."

"Our mission has a direction."

Things turned out as expected. After Bering Strait base reported Hermit Island's passage to headquarters, they were ordered to maintain attention while announcing the news.

They weren't particularly fond of or deliberately helping the Salvation Church—the world just needed confidence. Every encouraging piece of news was worth reporting, better than daily talk of Arctic fallen zone expansion.

Owen's latest mission was confirming those unlucky Disaster Beast corpses.

Garrison forces confird remains of ordinary species squeezed out along Hermit Island's route, matching catastrophe cluster characteristics.

Simultaneously, the Sea of Okhotsk also transmitted so sighting intelligence—Disaster Beast remains existed there too.

The sequence was obvious: the Salvation Church's starting point was unknown but they adopted this route going north along East Asia, similar to Arctic shipping lanes. But this murderous team didn't mind clashing with encountered Disaster Beasts. Clearly, even small units scattered from affiliated clusters couldn't shake Magical Girls—simply collapsing and being eliminated all the way.

From collected materials, most were incomplete with essence parts removed, so the Church only had ti for simple processing before letting them drift—too many, enough.

Worthy of you all.

After the Bering Strait base realized this, they were shocked. Not having experienced the catastrophe war, they only heard stories about those achievents. So fierce—casually cleaning up southward fleeing Disaster Beasts like slaughtering chickens and dogs, crushing such cannon fodder was no problem.

Right—ace troops used to fighting elite forces naturally swept through re cannon fodder.

No wonder when Elsa claid at the press conference "we will suppress a certain Arctic fallen zone," they had hard power—not bragging or boasting, but single-handedly surrounding the entire enemy army.

Owen stood on shore long gazing at the path Hermit Island took, slowly bending to touch the glacier cross-section—smooth and flat, ice-cold.

Truly terrifying.

He didn't dare imagine what would happen if both sides were enemies and this move struck the base area.

Though the Bering Strait base claid to be full of permanent fortifications, this attack nature didn't negotiate hard—any defense seed fragile as paper.

The adjutant beside him reported: "Sir, confird this attack's intensity—over 600,000 tons of glaciers directly damaged. The next three days will trigger small-scale avalanches, causing certain geological changes. 60% of materials stockpiled at the port need position adjustnts."

"Move quickly, don't delay."

"Also, many dia want to contact the base through various channels. If we could take so photos, that would be better..."

"Agree to them. Report it out. The Managent Bureau and Salvation Church are hero organizations deserving publicity, and let the world understand remote garrison difficulties."

"Yes sir."

With the Bering Strait base's cooperation, more and more news details beca public, especially clear footage of Hermit Island passing through this land.

People once again witnessed such magnificent advances. Others at most had overwhelming black masses—just that. You directly attacked with island plus people together—how could it not be shocking? During the catastrophe war, Hermit Island only appeared twice briefly, leaving deep impressions but no details. Now observing up close, they felt its towering height, majestic grandeur—how could such a distant coastline sailing forth not be stunning!

"Latest from Arctic Front: Salvation Church and subordinate Managent Bureau advance toward fallen zone"

News quickly spread worldwide, causing uproar. For real?

Elsa's press conference wasn't widely accepted then—more analysts interpreted it as a statent of withdrawal. But now various evidence showed Magical Girls had already fought their way to destination.

Admittedly, it still didn't rule out the Church being too lazy to interfere in disputes, but undoubtedly they made huge contributions to the Arctic theater—Disaster Beast southward dispersal failed.

Many people breathed sighs of relief.

If these monsters took remote routes attacking all the way to civilized world, they'd definitely cause massive losses—consequences unthinkable.

Another question followed: Why did the Salvation Church have thods to attract scattered Disaster Beasts within thousands of kiloters? Obviously they scattered and advanced separately, but upon encountering Hermit Island, they charged forward one after another? Similar phenona occurred during Edo's infection battle—like headless flies going wherever you directed.

When in doubt, bla magic. Anyway, they had ans to attract Disaster Beasts.

In other words, they could designate who to attract. This power could serve as deterrent. Since the Church didn't plan to reveal it, treat it as nonexistent—everyone stay harmonious.

anwhile.

Winter Company, as an institution closely cooperating with the Managent Bureau, took advantage of the buzz to issue a statent: "Correct, Miss Elsa did reveal they would indeed take military action against so local Arctic fallen zones, possibly related to Managent Bureau's future site selection."

Helmsman Pasha understood capturing political currents well, completely confirming speculation that Magical Girl forces would be unable to interfere for so ti.

Of course, both sides actually left contact information—paying a price for help wouldn't be difficult.

Part of the reason was the main party hoping to leak information early for testing. From feedback, everyone didn't oppose the Managent Bureau's decision to establish headquarters in the Arctic. Anyway, if you have the ability, consider it private territory. For years, encouraging private military and even civilian forces to recover fallen zones, even bringing out the old "discovery equals possession" principle from the Age of Exploration—better than leaving it to Disaster Beasts.

rcenary Alliance personnel were all conspiracy theorists who better understood Magical Girl Hyacinth's strategy. Actually, you've already bet on the side infiltrating public power—our interests align.

On the other hand.

Though the military was annoyed by the forr's publicity showing good relations, they still supported Salvation Church actions.

They were happy to have soone help share Arctic theater pressure.

General support forces couldn't control the situation and might even cause trouble, so better to pressure local garrison forces to actively attack and contain so. Now that the Salvation Church decided to intervene, no problem. The dispute between headquarters and branch force allocation ended—focus internally.

Even if Disaster Beast Counterasure Organizations knew supportive attitudes would further help the Managent Bureau grow, it was helpless—everyone had to show consideration. This was an open conspiracy.

When you're busy with various problems, it's actually the Magical Girl Organization proactively stepping up. What would the public think? How many Arctic theater garrison families breathed sighs of relief and expressed endless gratitude? Simply impossible to sar—might as well ride the wave of popularity.

As a result, the Managent Bureau gained a bunch of positive halos without even appearing.

The people on Hermit Island deep in the Arctic Ocean knew nothing of this, where even radio signals beca fuzzy, with no mind for other concerns.

The Church expeditionary force arrived in the Arctic for the second ti, and this ti went even deeper than during the catastrophe war.

Cold winds howled, floating ice filled the waters, a vast white expanse.

Hermit Island remained lush and green, with palm trees swaying on golden beaches, gentle breezes bringing warmth—still tropical scenery. Thanks to the large-scale withering period permanent magic effects of Tranquil Waters and Concealing Winds, the extre temperature difference between both sides had no impact whatsoever.

At this mont, the coexistence of polar climate and tropical marine climate shocked the Magical Girls greatly. They hadn't had ti to look last ti, but thinking carefully now, it was indeed spectacular.

Hibiscus tily stopped the island's movent and notified everyone to assemble at the beach.

"Look, there's a polar bear on that glacier!" Manjusaka pointed from afar. "So chubby and cute!"

The Magical Girls looked where she pointed—indeed a polar bear lay on the distant blue-white ice sheet, lazily sizing up the uninvited guests. Enduring the long winter, it had accumulated plenty of fat with fluffy fur, looking adorably naive.

"Roar—"

The polar bear warily roared once, even raising its massive paws that could terrify prey, but instead received a chorus of delighted cheers.

Such creatures had great lethality against Magical Girls. When you possess dragon-subduing, tiger-taming power, the entire food chain seems cute—African lions, Siberian tigers, or polar bears are at most slightly larger cats and dogs.

Suddenly a Disaster Beast smashed through floating ice and swallowed the over-2-ter polar bear in one gulp.

"Big White, you died so tragically!" Manjusaka lanted to the heavens. "Another friend quit the world OL."

"When did you na it?"

Jin Yulu, amazed, was destined not to match the pink-haired protagonist's wavelength—one realistic combat fanatic, one fantasy-loving player, their communication full of confusion.

After the brief interlude, the Magical Girls completed assembly. Though morale was high and eager to try, they inevitably felt sowhat tense. The polar bear's precedent proved Disaster Beasts had deeply penetrated Arctic Circle ecosystems—definitely nurous. The scary part was that intelligence here had been quite blank since the catastrophe war. The recovering coalition forces had no ti to maintain reconnaissance teams, so the Salvation Church had to rely on their own power to find targets:

The legendary special-type plant Disaster Beast Ice Flower that Senior Hyacinth ntioned. The glacier where it resided would beco the Managent Bureau's site.

But the Arctic Ocean was so vast—where to find it? Everyone gazed at the boundless floating ice, lost in thought.

Snap!

Under everyone's curious gazes, Hibiscus found a piece of unlted ice from the coastline containing Disaster Beast aura—from catastrophe-affiliated clusters, with violent presence.

Then she traced a giant totem of ice crystal petals on the beach, just like the Ice Flower picture netizens had shared. Fortunately, she understood drawing sowhat and could reproduce it.

"It's up to you, Miss Manjusaka."

"Roger that."

Manjusaka took the last bit of nearly lted ice and held it high overhead, calling out loudly: "Heaven spirits, Earth spirits, Buddha, Allah, God bless—anyway, quickly point in a direction. Where is this guy..."

Before she finished, the ice had already lted, water flowing through her fingers—now it couldn't serve as a compass.

Everyone fell silent. Though they'd known about Senior Manjusaka's ability, witnessing the ritual dance firsthand still made them unable to hold back. Didn't you ask too many people?

The embarrassed pink-haired girl scratched her head, about to explain when suddenly her foot slipped and she fell flat on her face. A wave happened to crash over, with jellyfish and crabs making Manjusaka yelp in pain.

Even so, she stayed prone and excitedly said: "Divination great success!"

At this mont, Fortune and Misfortune magic conveyed a sense of depletion, proving one round had finished, and she happened to extend her index finger toward the 2 o'clock direction.

"Don't move."

Seeing this, Dandelion quickly traced Manjusaka's outline while Jin Yulu beside her took out a compass for precise positioning—like a cri scene victim identification.

The three beca increasingly codic as they worked, with the cheerful atmosphere making the Magical Girls less nervous.

Finally, a detailed route map was handed to Hibiscus—clearly a precise Arctic Ocean map with a line drawn, following the causality-type strongest magic guidance. Just proceeding in order should be correct, especially since they maintained ntal detection for actually larger inspection range. So the next action route was determined—Ice Flower and that independent glacier were en route.

"I'll adjust the route. During this period we'll encounter wave after wave of Disaster Beast attacks. Pay attention to rest and work-life balance. Let's go."

Hibiscus snapped her fingers, making Hermit Island close again.

However, she deliberately left certain gaps for Disaster Beasts to approach following the scent. After all, blocking was inferior to channeling—clearing them out was one of this operation's objectives.

Target Ice Flower, Arctic Ocean voyage officially determined. After a long journey, the Salvation Church finally entered true war status. At this mont, the land beneath their feet was equivalent to a warship, with Hibiscus as captain and first mate Jin Yulu handling specific work.

Actually no different from the recent drill battles—let in a batch of Disaster Beasts then eliminate them, repeatedly collecting materials. Everyone adapted well.

From another angle, the drill battles were quite successful, almost identical to actual combat environnt, so the Magical Girls transitioned seamlessly. As a result, Disaster Beasts were unlucky—constantly hunted. For them, an insatiable super predator wandered the Arctic Ocean region. Once crossing paths, they'd uncontrollably charge over, ultimately becoming its food.

Indeed correct—this ti the Salvation Church was fighting a material collection war.

All materials accumulated before vacation were used during holiday island long-distance raids, plus Hibiscus had been exploring several coordinates of the Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror during this period.

No surplus grain at ho.

So even seedling-stage Magical Girls had to participate in hunting Disaster Beasts for materials—coincidentally, the Arctic was quite lively.

Hibiscus handled steering and controlling admitted Disaster Beast scale, naturally also reserving strength for special rare Disaster Beasts. Relatively idle, she witnessed tons of materials entering storage daily. Ordinary Disaster Beasts encountering the full Salvation Church had no resistance.

Over 5 days, Disaster Beasts at the edge of small fallen zones in central Arctic Ocean were completely cleared.

Beep!

Familiar chanical sounds echoed in her mind: 【System Hint: Completed suggestion "Hold joint training" Reward distributed: Free attribute points 100】 Almost forgot about this long-term task.

More than one session? They'd been working three shifts nonstop.

Any Magical Girl asked would answer they'd been in high-intensity combat recently—truly becoming a military career.

Hibiscus just ntally complained, then allocated all attribute points to magic power. Right, unlike previous even distribution, this ti concentrated on ti magic.

Almost simultaneously, she felt Sands of Ti performance increase significantly. Indeed, magic power attributes actually corresponded to certain magic performance levels.