The reception hall was silent as everyone pondered deeply, shocked by Magical Girl Hyacinth's proposal. Could she divine everything about the Coalition forces?
Church mbers worried Hibiscus would suffer more Knowledge Poison attacks, but since she'd brought it up herself, she must have trump cards. So they remained as background props throughout, letting the eting proceed step by step.
They absolutely trusted their leader, leaving everything to Hibiscus. Conversely, the rcenary side felt uneasy.
Too strange.
Bull couldn't understand why the other party was so confident about obtaining intelligence. Those two major institutions—Disaster Beast Research Center and Relic Treasury—even after years of infiltration, he had no solutions. How could one sentence settle it today? Could the Church really be so thousand-year heritage organization?
No, it's a smokescreen. You want to think that.
No need to worry about specific principles. Ask about the Church's past achievents—even Eagle Company backed by Prophecy and Oracle Books was defeated. Similarly, Catastrophe Disaster Beasts with countless special relics had to retreat. Then in Arctic battles, Magical Girls moved between major powers stirring up trouble. Now dropping a heavy chess piece in this great struggle.
"I believe you, and look forward to corresponding intelligence from you." Bull said decisively. "We will give our all."
Accompanying his declaration were nods from Pasha and Sid. The backing of two major rcenary giants was evident—these three could represent the alliance's decision-making level.
"That's good."
At the perfect mont, Manjusaka brought tea, easing the atmosphere. Relaxation counted as negotiation's fortune.
This signal represented current success, entering the next stage. Jin Yulu stepped out briefly then whispered in the silver-haired girl's ear—actually no words, just magic power telepathy.
Hibiscus said quietly: "Fighter formations are investigating along your arrival route. Even with our concealnt, there's risk of coordinate exposure. Please be careful."
"We've indeed stayed long enough. Anyway, cooperation intentions were conveyed. As long as we each handle our responsibilities."
Bull heard the subtext of dismissal.
He was quite satisfied with this conversation. Who would say everything at first eting? Key was establishing tone—remaining communication and specific confirmation mattered more. Only flaw was the Church always held most intelligence and thickest veils, making him increasingly uncertain.
"By the way, leave those two institutions to us. Good practice."
Before parting, Hibiscus gave a definitive answer. If the research center could obtain Disaster Beast materials, it should be profitable. The treasury's connection to the dream artist made it worth visiting.
"Many thanks. We'll achieve victory on another battlefield—after all, the hardest bones to gnaw are left to you, right?"
"You clearly still have reserves."
"Those don't count. Besides, from start to finish your thinking was simple: no participation ans no share of spoils."
Bull smiled as he stood to leave, steps brisk and decisive. rely concluding one deal couldn't make him so joyful—more precious was witnessing equally crazy progressive spirits. Future cooperation would be extensive.
Their group left the eting building under Manjusaka's guidance, taking another garden route without retracing steps—treating it as a sightseeing tour of the glacier cavity.
"If intelligence is correct, this was recently so Disaster Beast's territory?"
"Yes."
"Actually, military and rcenaries were also seeking Ice Flower. Naturally must eliminate whoever commands catastrophe Disaster Beast remnants, but couldn't find the location. You seed to know in advance and headed straight for the target." Bull pointed at buildings automatically assembling under levitation spells. "Moreover, this isn't sothing completed in two or three days. Your organization's plans have an interlocking characteristic—so this ti too?"
"I don't know the extras, but can definitely tell you the Church has interests here, so we'll act with full force."
Pasha said: "From battle traces in Edo, I could see Manjusaka-miss's power, and she's stronger than then. I anticipate the military's expressions."
"Don't celebrate too early." Sid said coldly. "The military still retains many thods. Setting 24-hour completion is because this resembles a coup—no need to defeat everyone but establish fait accompli. Can't rule out soone deciding to tear off pretenses and fight desperately midway."
Everyone nodded.
Soon they reached the airfield where the pilot had started engines and prepared.
Bull suddenly stopped and sighed: "If anything shocking remains, it would definitely be our plane exploding upon boarding, or encountering fighter interception en route."
"Don't joke. Since you could co, you can return. But I was instructed by Hyacinth to give you a gift."
Manjusaka gently stroked the fuselage then clasped her hands: "Smooth journey, safe return."
What's this about?
Though the rcenary group didn't quite understand this magic chanism, they still half-believingly returned to the cabin for final farewells. Monts later the plane climbed from the runway into clouds, disappearing completely in a blink without even contrails remaining. That's right—the minor incident on arrival was their permitted result.
Manjusaka shrugged and walked back, coincidentally seeing Hibiscus discussing with Flowering Crabapple and Dieffenbachia. The sisters smiled brightly, nodding frequently in a harmonious atmosphere.
Bull on the invisible plane overlooked Glacier Island—clearly a network of anti-aircraft positions ready to pour countless firepower skyward. With that suspected luck magic enhancent, probably even intercontinental missiles could be intercepted. So the Church's defensive thinking was laying nets to avoid vertical air damage—no, more like having too many weapons randomly piled up. Should've salvaged plenty from Arctic Legion's abandoned supplies, including nuclear submarines.
Scavenging armant?
Should call it turning decay into a miracle. For real air combat, Magical Girl Imperial Flower alone counted as aerial battleship—destroy however many ca.
Besides, distant clouds seed to hide massive shadows.
"That's Hermit Island. General Josh once complained about an important town he failed to capture. Could we take a look?"
Sid replied: "I only slightly distorted traces. With powerful Magical Girl perception, invisibility makes no difference. Look enough then return—otherwise too impolite. Besides, Pasha and I need to quickly prepare forces. This battle won't be easy."
"Right, must carefully select good timing for joint action, otherwise nine deaths one life."
Bull put on eyeshades and reclined his seat to rest, relaxed deanor nothing like soone who'd suffered attacks and brain-battled the world's top supernatural organization. He wore a smile.
Must ruthlessly retaliate against those ignorant military hardliners.
❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀
Hermit Island.
After negotiations with the rcenary Alliance, Magical Girls continued their respective tasks—or rather, nothing changed. For the Salvation Church it was just normal business negotiations, seen many tis. Content was beating people? Even less important—several Disaster Beast battles already, just different forms.
Moreover, they understood this was very useful for Managent Bureau plans. Everyone wanting to enter respectable public activities definitely required effort. Plans must proceed step by step.
For newcors like the Ruan sisters, everything felt strange.
Though they'd just chatted briefly with the famous Hyacinth while seeing off Bull, fundantally they felt everyone was strangers. How did they beco part of you all?
Flowering Crabapple watched the plane's disappearing direction, scratching her head: "Did they finish without any handover?"
"That's right, sister."
"I'm not asking you to confirm. We should think more, judge more. Job-hopping with military organizations is dangerous."
Hearing this, Dieffenbachia nodded like a woodpecker, always wearing a silly smile with pure, bright eyes. Compared to her sister's wariness, she focused more on the Church's Magical Girls. Everyone had returned to work, chatting cheerfully with occasional laughter—surely not acting? These compatriots were indeed busy with construction, even getting along well with docile tad Disaster Beasts—quite pastoral scenery.
Following her silly sister's gaze around, Flowering Crabapple also relaxed sowhat.
She had to admit she'd been prejudiced, thinking the Salvation Church forced everyone into life-and-death work, but they weren't actually a rcenary group.
"May I volunteer as guide?" After instructing cadres, Hibiscus warmly greeted the guests.
"My honor."
"Don't be so formal. Incidentally, I indeed am poaching from General Sid, but please don't think there's conspiracy—you're worth it, I'm willing to pay high prices."
This hit Flowering Crabapple's sweet spot.
She instinctively wanted to raise prices but almost slapped herself—saying this to soone she respected? The other party's opening suited her preferences, making her embarrassed. Actually, after mixing so long, money wasn't lacking. Want to earn so? Easy enough. Should save face before sister with new boss.
Dieffenbachia spoke first: "Senior Hyacinth, everyone knows your ideals for establishing the Church, but what's the source?"
Flowering Crabapple frowned, thinking little sister was too naive—asking waste questions while exposing shallowness. Which leader wouldn't give you lengthy principles for such questions?
"—Very simple, because modern civilization will be completely destroyed."
Opening with bombshell news made the Ruan sisters nearly shudder. Shocking enough—the Salvation Church Leader claiming to protect civilization directly self-exposed. But seeing everyone's calm reactions, was this organizational common knowledge?
"I an magic power will return, plus Disaster Beasts, fairies, and pre-epoch represented technology reshaping the world. Modern naturally disappears."
"The transformation process can't be too bloody, so the Church must control this period to prevent loss of control..."
Hibiscus handed the sisters coffee drinks—latte and mocha respectively. Both slightly froze—they rarely ntioned beverage preferences. Even rcenaries hadn't grasped much private information. How did casual details make people feel spring-like warmth? Knowing it was recruitnt but unable to refuse goodwill. Hearts are flesh—can't directly refuse.
Handled.
The silver-haired girl continued: "Future trends can't be shaken. We can at most make minor adjustnts—less sacrifice, more Magical Girl protection, nothing more. Those bright, grand principles are just packaging. We're realists seeking smooth transition."
"At least better than always silent Sid. That forr boss loved taciturnity—never knew his thoughts."
"Miss Flowering Crabapple, those who talk much often want to change your thinking."
Hibiscus's statent choked her up.
She'd clearly followed the topic sentintally to release goodwill, but you counter with distance-keeping plus pulling—now she really wanted to hear this guy's insights.
"If Elsa is always controversial, then people who get along with you would hardly beco enemies? Simply magic."
"I'll take that as praise." Hibiscus shifted topics. "Rather than these vague subjects you should be tired of, let's walk and talk. I'll introduce current Salvation Church business—everyone will benefit in future."
Hearing this, Flowering Crabapple's eyes lit up, listening intently.
As supre boss, Hibiscus openly revealed Five-Color Narcissus Company connections, naturally including various foundations...
Honestly, not tallying didn't show much, but tallying was shocking. Even she found it increasingly exaggerated.
Simple "inco and expenditure" couldn't asure the Salvation Church because she often bet both sides, always profiting. Even personally entering to leverage market fluctuations through Anti-Disaster Beast military actions—too black, absolutely among world stage dealers. Various wonderful magic effects safeguarded this comrcial empire's concealnt, so she lurked underwater with few knowing.
Though Manjusaka and Dandelion handled internal and external business respectively, truly understanding the whole picture was Hibiscus herself. So so tycoons not knowing their own wealth was real.
Her selective revelations to the Ruan sisters were enough to astound them. They had one concept:
Richer than Red Cedar Company.
Hibiscus casually ntioned peripheral organization Managent Bureau would also receive so fund dividends, so regardless who you joined, profits existed—guaranteed prosperity without losses.
Suddenly Flowering Crabapple murmured: "Why haven't we discussed magic throughout?"
"Is it necessary? Upcoming actions together are fine—mutual coordination beats verbal communication. Declaring upfront: I don't value so Magical Girl's special abilities, but your personal effort. Since we're both ti-type, and Dieffenbachia-miss is space-type, naturally should achieve sothing."
The sisters looked at each other then nodded solemnly.
They were indeed sowhat young but had seen many demons and monsters. Among these people, the Salvation Church's leader seed like clear water—might as well try in the organization first.
"Elsa will handle detailed coordination with you later. Wish both pleasant new lives—I won't disturb you further."
Seeing the atmosphere mature, Hibiscus decisively bid farewell without allowing retention. No need to speak everything through at first eting—abrupt endings weren't without lingering charm. As her ntal perception indicated, the Ruan sisters dropped wariness and raised curiosity—first step of belonging.
Everything smooth, all settled.
With Salvation Church affairs returning to normal, Hibiscus beca leisurely.
From world trends, military and rcenaries fought irreconcilably—from literary to martial fighting, from assassination to clashes, from accusations to framing... all unrelated to . The Arctic remained peaceful. As long as not actively ddling in troubles, they wouldn't co knocking.
Surface view: Magical Girls confird "worldly hermit organization" setting. Actually Bull definitely planted hidden pieces—great n must endure.
Jin Yulu, Manjusaka, and Dandelion still adapting to Growth Stage, were intensively training. Similarly, Seedling Stage and Triple Awakening mbers as future main attackers were also exercising. Everyone was busy.
She didn't need such trouble—advancent stones between levels made masters slowly improve.
Returning to her office, the silver-haired girl removed her necklace hung with Origin, Regalia, and magic advancent stones of different qualities, but their luster had dimd sowhat.
That's right.
Hibiscus felt Temporal Cross-Section control growing stronger—coexisting mirror fragnts could reach double digits, cutting more precisely. Real power lay in driving subordinate skills—no, no subordinate skills existed, just sequence. Like using relative flow to move 5000-ton nuclear submarines, using Ti Slash for precision operations through World Serpent scale gaps... representing comprehensive growth of the Sands of Ti skill system.
Strongest magic had another standard: skill upgrades simple and clear. For example, her other skills all improved with predictable routes.
Ti Stop could reach 25 seconds now.
But by now Hibiscus didn't rely on specific duration—as long as she was fast enough, one second could work like a hundred. Little difference, and she felt so limitations.
Ti Stop increasingly tended toward helping her move or charge power, limited help for direct damage. Even easily caught by close combat experts like Jin Yulu for openings—risky. So split stops affecting one-tenth or one-hundredth seconds were most useful.
Powerful Magical Girls could decide victory in an extrely short ti—speed alone was unbreakable.
Stop.
Hibiscus thought and the world entered gray-white. Simultaneously her hands flickered with threads but they vanished instantly, unable to maintain.
Magic advancent stones dimd further.
She canceled the stop feeling increased magic consumption. Just attempted stop plus Ti Slash failed, but at least proved direction was correct. Moreover, she could condense Origin attacks in frozen worlds, one-shot killing low-level targets with comfortable execution thresholds. Against Holy Relics should quickly decide outcos.
At this mont Hibiscus prepared for inevitable elite military battles.
According to plans, Magical Girl Hyacinth as trump card wouldn't go anywhere, stationed at headquarters ready to reinforce any troubled battlefield—firefighter role. In other words, appearing ant hard battles requiring careful consideration.
Using stronger Origin attacks in frozen worlds? Actually not easy because ti stops also sowhat affected user magic power flow.
Otherwise she wouldn't have used throwing knives and weapons for transition initially—magic power wasn't stable enough.
Breaking Holy Relic defenses in ti stops through Origin Condensation charging would definitely work, but facing multiple enemies? How to ensure one stop round defeated multiple targets?
Very difficult.
If others knew the strongest Magical Girl Hyacinth still researched releasing powerful attacks during ti stops, they'd lose sleep.
She demanded high standards, making impossible possible.
Next Origin Stage: Shaping.
After Seedling Stage's restraint and Growth Stage's condensation, one of three elents toward Blooming Stage was shaping. Not "half-baked" techniques of light cannons or magic becoming blade edges, but essentially fine surface coverage extending outward into different forms with special attributes. For example, making a sword to swing "sword qi" rather than just relying on sharpness.
Current Magical Girls' Origin protection counted as protecting organs. When covering body surfaces shaped like armor, even immunity to non-judgnt attacks could occur.
This way Hibiscus could act stably in frozen worlds without affecting Origin output.
Familiar feeling.
"Wait, isn't this damage reduction or judgnt immunity shown by Black Tide and Aurora? Even disaster curses could only activate non-target. Only they showed this characteristic. If a Brain-Eater understood it, shouldn't have lost to Holy Relics then..."
The silver-haired girl muttered while dragging her chin, finally understanding.
Both should be quite similar—reaching shaping stage would produce certain abnormal status resistance, similar yet different from Regalia defense.
Regalia could directly reduce contact damage, direct damage, and wide-range influence—more inclined toward hard "physical defense." Moreover, its essence helped Magical Girls improve output diversity with defense rely incidental. So everyone liked offensive routes closely related to Magical Girl power itself—firepower supre.
Origin shaping must be listed as a new goal.
Next Regalia part was tops, but corresponding abilities were temporarily unknown. Even asking netizens was useless—completely clueless. Reserve the question first.
After confirming current strength and progress directions, Hibiscus remained uneasy, especially wary of Knowledge Poison abilities.
When ntioning Snow Maiden, Bull was very wary plus extrely cautious about the Relic Treasury behind her, representing that ancient Holy Relic's power far exceeding ordinary targets, not to ntion ho field advantage. The treasury claiming to block catastrophes wasn't empty talk.
She needed more intelligence. Like before Bull's arrival when she asked netizens in advance, should provide feedback on phase negotiation results, including so photos.
Already uploaded.
"...Above all, after negotiations with the rcenary Alliance, will handle suppression of research center and Relic Treasury. Subsequent specific actions and rewards will maintain contact. But returns actually aren't important—Salvation Church already gained sufficient weight. We'll handle the rest ourselves."
Replies refreshed at visible speed:
【What did you do to make the Chairman honestly chat? For others he'd start with ntal control】
【Don't understand? Magical Girl Hyacinth's reputation makes rcenaries dare not act rashly】
Comnts section showed screenshot of eting room photo Hibiscus uploaded—indeed including her, Manjusaka, Jin Yulu, Elsa, and Ruan sisters. Everyone photoshopped with sunglasses looking quite imposing—all villains.
【Bull never saw such a scene】
【Flowering Crabapple and Dieffenbachia joined so easily? Worthy of you, charm-overflowing Hyacinth, easily capturing hearts again】
【Our Salvation Church has abundant talent and nurous experts—rcenary Alliance climbed high】
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