Elsa thought to herself that Manjusaka truly lived up to her reputation as a Magical Girl—her movents were much faster than imagined.
She watched her carry the unconscious Helen and fly away from the scene of trouble. With the experience of one of the founding elders of the Salvation Church, handling the follow-up treatnt for magical power rampage and loss of control shouldn't be a problem. After all, there had been no shortage of breakthrough cases during the Magical Girls' stay on the island, so everyone was quite experienced with this.
Elsa and Angela, left at the scene, walked shoulder to shoulder toward Zoe, who had recovered from her wounds and once again protected herself with rock armor.
"......What did you......do......"
Her hoarse voice was full of resistance, yet she still couldn't help but walk toward the Magical Girl Chrysanthemum in bright yellow Regalia. The next mont, a fist containing compressed Origin struck hard against the rock armor, and a violent force sent her flying back.
At the sa ti, dust swirled up from the ground. In the instant Zoe retreated, wall after wall rose to block her path, but these obstacles were nothing before her agile movents.
Admittedly, the Mountain Building Movent appeared mighty on the surface, but in her out-of-control state, operational precision plumted again and again. It was like a giant trying desperately to swat a mosquito. Within a 3-kiloter radius, stone spikes were densely packed, mountain ridges hung inverted in layers upon layers, and massive boulders rolled down slopes. Such a scale was enough to bury an army, yet it couldn't catch its target. Seeing this, she had no choice but to change her approach.
Crack!
A sudden disturbance underfoot made Elsa's steps falter—layers of earth had wrapped around her legs, making movent impossible.
"Get away!" After the roar ca an entire mountaintop sliding down, carrying earth-shaking montum with heavy pressure adding even more kinetic energy.
In one breath, the mountain arrived with thunderous rumbling, smashing out a deep crater.
The repeated large-scale deploynt of magic also left the still low-level Zoe exhausted. The dark magical power swirling around her body finally cald and even dispersed, though there was still one last trace of power ready to erge.
The elental magic Mountain Building Movent now ran at full power, seeming to want the mountain ridges to topple and turn over. Rumbling roars echoed from deep within the earth's crust, making it impossible to stand steady.
She didn't expect a figure to suddenly appear in her blind spot—it was Elsa swinging a fist filled with Origin.
Thud!
Though rock wrapped around Zoe's body again at the critical mont, she still felt a strong impact in the face of true damage and ultimately fainted and collapsed as expected, no longer having any strength to resist. That violent, rampaging energy ended along with her.
This move actually coordinated with Angela's concealnt technique, essentially allowing every Magical Girl to act as an assassin for surprise attacks—the effect was remarkable.
The two took Zoe and withdrew from the scene.
At this point, staying outdoors was definitely inconvenient, so after eting up with Jin Ruochu, she decided to simply head to the Los Angeles manor villa. At least it was a base of operations with a teleportation point set up, making it usable. As for eting up with Hibiscus, there was no need to worry—Hyacinth's perception ability could definitely find them.
Half an hour later.
Just as they arrived at the manor, Hibiscus ca to et up, bringing along Xiang Yunwei, Miyuki, and others. The California regional personnel were officially gathered together.
Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate—the continental shelf Disaster Beast cleanup in the coastal area was ongoing.
Admittedly, thanks to the help of Magical Girl Hyacinth, the most troubleso main force of Disaster Beasts had been almost completely eliminated. However, so fearless ones continued to charge forward, making conflict inevitable. In any case, martial law would have to be maintained for a while, affecting normal life. The local garrison and rcenaries were the most disgusted—who knew why they were so busy? Major news kept breaking within half a year, apparently becoming a place frequented by various major events.
The silver-haired girl stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the sea where the belated Gallup and several unfamiliar Holy Relics were rushing about in battle.
"What a pity." Jin Ruochu pouted. "The press conference's buzz was stolen. Didn't my 50 million dollars in marketing go down the drain?"
"This is where you understand business but not necessarily politics."
"What do you an?"
"The state governnt should be grateful it coincided with Five-Color Narcissus Technology's press conference. They'll help with publicity to cover up the Disaster Beasts—morale cannot be shaken before battle."
Hibiscus had heard from several news channels that the New Allied Forces Staff Headquarters was planning a recapture war for the Fallen Zones. For morale requirents, they shouldn't hype up Los Angeles being attacked by Disaster Beasts. On the contrary, if they were smart, they should promote technological progress more.
Just as she was pondering, the Magical Girl responsible for dical care had already awakened Zoe and Helen.
The two were confused upon arriving in an unfamiliar environnt, but after Angela's explanation combined with their hazy mories, they finally understood everything and apologized repeatedly.
"Sorry for causing everyone so much trouble."
"I can work to compensate, and I can even give you a gold mine."
Compared to the slightly shy Helen, Zoe spoke with wealth and full social confidence. However, when they saw the silver-haired girl by the window turn around, they were slightly stunned—they hadn't expected this person to be here too!
Hyacinth?
If there was anyone on this increasingly politically entertaining land who could bring a sense of leadership authority, then the number one figure of the Salvation Church was definitely living up to her reputation. Using force to brutally make the official stance suddenly change and start talking cooperation, benefiting Magical Girls as a whole—it couldn't be called anything but cunning and far-sighted.
Originally, Zoe and Helen, being college students, automatically cast themselves in the image of civil rights activists, but eting her for the first ti was completely different—a thick, undissolvable scent of blood ca through.
Noticing the change in their expressions, Hibiscus sniffed her sleeve: "Sorry, things were urgent and I didn't have ti to clean up."
"Let's talk business. I learned so information about you all from Miss Angela. Since you have so interest in the Church, I'll invite the three of you to join. We can negotiate compensation—custom contracts are possible. Given the special nature of your magic, we'll provide extra rewards for specialized situations. Money is just the foundation; what's important is that we can help each other solve so life troubles."
"Such as?" Zoe pressed.
"Small things like no speeding tickets, not being questioned by police, your lawn always staying clean... big things like if you're unhappy with soone, we'll teach them a lesson—and that soone can be anyone."
Helen murmured: "That would have been called gang behavior decades ago. Now it's called privilege."
"No, the latest term is 'Salvation Church Rights and Benefits Act morandum' plus so supplentary clauses. We run legitimate businesses and don't deal with hallucinogens, entertainnt districts, gambling, and such. Even the Managent Bureau has beco an international background institution."
The organization had long passed the stage of primitive capital accumulation. Playing financial gas and industrial capital made money faster than robbing banks—respectable and easy.
Hibiscus made this impromptu recruitnt entirely on her reaction speed without consulting her brain trust.
This speech made the three young people fall into contemplation, while their companions' eyes widened. Even Elsa, a pure local, couldn't find fault with it. It hit right at the pain points, with quite generous conditions, showing her appreciation for talent.
What was Hibiscus's greatest capital for directly recruiting? Money. You absolutely couldn't do without money, but money alone wasn't persuasive enough.
Considering that Angela, Zoe, and Helen ca from standard Arican middle-class families—not worried about food, drink, or expenses, and having never suffered the hardships of society—those peripheral details that directly hit middle-class anxieties were what mattered.
She continued: "There are also so hidden benefits, like stock dividends, paid vacation, and recomndations to purchase financial products that will never lose money."
"Do you think those are governnt bonds?" Zoe couldn't help but retort.
"Coincidentally, from the official bond issuance beginning in 1791 to now is exactly 200 years, but we Magical Girls will last longer than the world's most powerful nation. When I say they won't lose money, it ans they'll keep earning. Setting aside all worldly benefits, I will lead you to immortality. Otherwise, the Disaster Beasts alone would be troubleso enough, right? The choice is yours. I've repeatedly emphasized that specific plans can be negotiated—I just need an answer."
Right on target.
Generous gifts easily made people suspicious, but crisis awareness made people think clearly.
Hearing this, Angela and Helen nodded slightly. Actually, being relatively soft-natured, they sensed sothing was off about the atmosphere.
The mighty Salvation Church had beaten up armies, rcenaries, governnts, and even catastrophic Disaster Beasts—how could they be easy targets? They had a definite gang background. The seemingly genteel Lady Hyacinth had the spirit of California gold prospectors from a century ago in her bones. Either we get rich together and beco brothers, or don't expect to have a good ti.
The wisdom of blazing trails and the power to fear no authority were concentrated in this person. The organization mbers followed not only El Dorado but also a certain underworld style.
But honestly, the two still had doubts. After all, it ant binding themselves to this chariot from now on, becoming an unavoidable part of this era's tide. This atmosphere of conscription inevitably made people nervous.
Actually, Angela had long planned to connect with fellow Magical Girls because she feared loneliness, but she also considered Helen's feelings.
"I agree to join."
Zoe's direct response drew silent praise from the Church mbers—this child looked resolute and determined.
Then she turned to her two classmates and persuaded them:
"We had no choice long ago. Not ntioning the risk of magical power loss of control we'll face later, with Disaster Beasts from the Pacific Theater constantly spilling over, where can we hide? Face it—while every Magical Girl seems to have a choice, we're actually already in the eye of the storm. This is the price of magic. You've accepted special abilities but won't take responsibility for them? There's no such good deal in the world."
After thinking for a mont, Helen said: "Senior Hyacinth, I feel the Church is a bit too realistic. Perhaps I'd like to hear about the idealistic part, even if it's just lip service."
A pure interest group was certainly fine—they were everywhere—but it depended on what business you did. The Church's position was too high.
If the mbers were a group purely focused on money, that would actually be unsettling and would eventually explode.
"......A mber of our organization, Miss Beatrice, is from Texas. She told her hotown was once annexed amid North Arican politicians' cries of Manifest Destiny. Now the Church can call this our period too. Countless territories await discovery—we hope to achieve great deeds."
"You're of Protestant background, right? From what I know, many believers view the Church as a glorious cause, an enlightennt. Your families will support this too."
Hibiscus tentatively ntioned this and saw the three girls' eyes light up.
Talking about doctrine with young people wasn't necessarily useful, but their families were sowhat involved, thanks to the organization's deep cultivation of influence.
"Four hundred years ago, the Mayflower crossed the Atlantic and established the founder's spirit. Now, new sea routes are opening, and a new Mayflower is about to set sail. So I invite you all to journey together again—we're pioneering a cause."
The seemingly plain words carried great weight. The Salvation Church Leader wasn't just making promises to newcors but also speaking to veterans. Everyone couldn't help but feel a surge of heroism.
"I'll join too."
Angela and Helen answered in unison.
"Looks like it's a happy ending for everyone." Hearing this, Hibiscus hugged the three of them and said: "With your joining, the Church will beco stronger."
Especially for obtaining entry to the Pacific Theater next—these two major elental magics were indispensable.
The witnesses around quickly applauded and offered congratulations. For them, the more companions the better—now was the ti for unity. Fortunately, previous investnt in the rcenary Alliance had created new treaties and a reford image, essentially becoming a legal and compliant institution, which eliminated ordinary people's doubts and made recruitnt easier.
"Additionally, as part of the exchange ceremony, we'll openly share magical chanisms with each other—part of getting to know each other better. If you don't mind, I'll start."
Hibiscus generously explained the basic information and skills of Sands of Ti.
Though the Church's veteran mbers had witnessed it countless tis, when Hyacinth personally explained ti pause, relative flow speed, Ti Slice, Temporal Cross-Section, and even the derivative effects and variations of her fourth skill, they still couldn't hide their amazent. Just hearing about it was full of intensity—how much more so when used by soone recognized as a master of magical theory? Providing intelligence didn't an there were weaknesses, and even if there were, you'd need the strength to exploit them. When the side with military advantage openly shared information, it was essentially a form of deterrence.
After taking turns introducing themselves, it was the three newcors' turn.
Magical Girl Narcissus, Summoning-type, Universal Eraser, real na Angela.
Everyone was already familiar with her abilities. Currently at Third Awakening comprehensive strength, her developnt focused on erasing various traces or concealnt—it would only get stronger conceptually in the future, and it was quite convenient even now.
Magical Girl Hollow Bubble, Elental-type, Tropical Cold Current, real na Helen.
Newly at Seedling Stage, currently able to summon storms. Her direct combat ability was relatively limited. According to her, this magic excelled at naval battles and could use ocean currents for rapid movent.
Magical Girl Mirror Grass, Elental-type, Mountain Building Movent, real na Zoe.
Even among elental magic, she was a rare large-scale assault type. Her ability leaned toward transforming and utilizing existing geological layers, especially driving minerals, representing her powerful potential. Of course, this was limited to indirectly pushing them through crustal movent. The ecological niche for truly manipulating mineral deposits should belong to another magic, but even so, it was formidable enough.
The three of them, besides each other, also ntioned knowing so weaker newly awakened Magical Girls and could provide introductions.
A rich harvest!
Hibiscus, who knew the most about magical knowledge, was happiest. She could see that Universal Eraser had powerful functionality, enough to make outsiders overestimate the Church several tis over. The other two elental types were equally impressive—truly worthy of recomnded T1 level.
However, so combat enthusiasts rated them "T1.5" with points deducted for environntal dependence.
That was enough—no harm done. After all, Hibiscus found it hard to assess how terrifying a universal elent that didn't depend on environnt would be if it beca magic.
After ending the impromptu recruitnt eting, Hibiscus arranged two preparations.
First: Elsa would lead Angela, Helen, and Zoe to complete coordination and confirmation for future cooperation, while recruiting those newly awakened Magical Girls they ntioned. They'd join the Managent Bureau first, as a way to test agreent compliance and make this institution seem like it actually had living people.
Second: Jin Ruochu would continue her beloved marketing business, thoroughly making the "Fruit" smartphone brand famous—you couldn't have too much money.
Hibiscus herself wasn't idle either.
Since the Five-Color Narcissus Company Chairman had already appeared here, there was no need to rush away—that would make people think there was a problem. Better to be high-profile and walk around with departnt heads.
Most importantly, California had beco the center of this small disturbance, so being on the front lines was necessary for better perspective.
From a certain angle, it was actually Magical Girl loss of control that attracted Disaster Beasts to exploit the opportunity.
The Allied Forces were probably 80% sure of this, but they indeed had the bla for inadequate protection and slow response. Mutual accusations would only add to the farce, so they simply remained silent.
Truly excellent politicians understood the art of turning misfortune into joy:
Hibiscus soon witnessed a "politician's charisma mont" as Miller made a big show in Congress claiming to secure disaster relief funds for his ho constituency, winning widespread praise after approval. Knowing the inside story, she understood how much the fund flow and reconstruction departnts were related to the Miller family industries. Everyone split the 2 billion in disaster relief funds—who knew how much would actually be implented?
Besides this, Bull mobilized a group of speakers to emphasize threats, reaffirming "the necessity of attacking Fallen Zones"—for a ti, the montum was massive and won popular support.
Everyone won.
Can't let only you profit—the Salvation Church must profit too.
Hibiscus mobilized part of her funds to cooperate with Miller under the banner of charitable organizations, gaining good reputation and tax exemptions—overall, not a loss. Anyway, after all this fuss, Five-Color Narcissus Technology Company had established a foothold.
Moreover, network communication services and the theoretically one-phone-per-person approach provided convenience to the military, with battlefield environnt developnt also underway.
Facts proved that as long as you grasped the era's pain points, it was hard to lose money. Currently, with their new-century-level products, they had caught the first train to new markets—moving forward unstoppably, with a blue ocean waiting for developnt.
In just a few days, Hibiscus saw many people on the streets using phones to listen to music and make calls—the adoption rate was quite fast.
Late at night, after finishing a day of socializing and returning to the hotel, she found marketing copy even in the elevator.
Sales couldn't be separated from advertising power.
She gave Jin Ruochu authority over funds to throw entirely into marketing—posters in streets and alleys, rolling TV broadcasts, Tis Square big screens, and such were bought across the board. Called the "Money No Object Plan," it was truly lavish spending, forcibly building the Fruit phone's fashionable tech appeal as a new thing.
The accountant housekeeper Nan Zhiyi back at headquarters had complained several tis, even saying there was "cash flow rupture risk" before giving up.
Little did she know Jin Ruochu simply didn't use their own reserves but took local loans to continue burning money.
Don't look at how the young miss seed frivolous and unserious normally—at key monts, her business acun and gambling spirit fully demonstrated the traits she inherited from Jin Changfeng: bold and progressive, never stopping. Without debt worries, she displayed her skills even more.
Jin Ruochu's thods weren't just splurging but innovatively mobilizing dia soft articles, selling books, establishing research groups and public welfare plans—the forces covered almost all bases.
Protagonist talent was truly cheat-like.
Truly worthy of being highly recomnded by the optician think tank as "must-have operational talent"—top tier.
With this thought, Hibiscus reflected that the list currently only had the Big Four plus Elsa, Minase Kaori, Anri Sakagami, and others—there weren't many follow-up additions. She'd have to ask about it when she had a chance. As the organization grew larger, she realized the importance of managent. Thanks to everyone's efforts, the Church had walked step by step to today.
Lacking any talent would make progress difficult.
The urgent task was confirming receipts. Thanks to Jin Ruochu's marketing assistance, the series of tasks Hibiscus had previously received were completed one by one:
[Completed Suggestion "Have Five-Color Narcissus Technology Company Develop Smartphones" Reward Distributed: dium Origin Advancent Stone Fragnt ×1]
[Completed Suggestion "Urge rcenary Alliance To Fulfill Contract" Reward Distributed: Large Enhancent Potion ×1]
[Completed Suggestion "Host New Product Launch" Reward Distributed: Small Magic Advancent Stone Fragnt ×3]
She had been amazed when first receiving the system information—after all, Large Enhancent Potions and advancent stones were significant. Small fragnts could store other magic as trump cards, while dium Origin Advancent Stone Fragnts laid the foundation for the next stage.
Great joy beyond expectations!
Hibiscus lay face-up on the presidential suite's soft bed and even bounced a few tis. Her right hand grasped at empty air, materializing the dium Origin Advancent Stone Fragnt, which glowed brilliantly as it began releasing energy. Perfect timing—in the original work, the Ti Priestess followed a 2-elent path of Magic and Regalia, with Origin sowhat lacking. Now with advancent stones helping consolidate the foundation in all areas, plus her own efforts, she had forcibly opened a 3-elent parallel advancent path.
"......Unfortunately, the energy is less than imagined. A complete dium advancent stone might correspond to the Blooming Stage, but fragnt effects are too limited—minimal."
"At most providing auxiliary effects—ultimately depends on myself."
The silver-haired girl lay facing up, clenching her fist as abundant magical power gathered into a small whirlwind powerful enough to break through tal and stone.
Her recent approach wasn't to breakthrough any of the 3 elents head-on, but to review and gain new insights.
For example, developing Regalia so the first hair accessory position corresponded to increasingly strong telekinesis—it was almost becoming a separate small magic, or rather, many magics with no real talent stopped at this level. For instance, the technique-type Detective and mory Projection didn't need developnt—both Magical Girls chose to develop their other 2 elents.
Efficiency skyrocketed.
The Church didn't hope for "ability diversity" but ensured every mber had combat capability. If your magic truly wasn't suited for battlefields, better give up early.
These Magical Girls who shifted to non-magic elents showed unique talent for Regalia and Origin, even producing special traits. After observing several cases, it was confird that hair accessory position abilities corresponded to psychic power.
In a sense, "giving up magic developnt for abilities" was fully exploited by Hyacinth who wanted everything—wasn't that infuriating?
An unprecedented all-elent Magical Girl who would light up everything from beginning to end would be born, finally taking shape during the Withering Stage.
So Hyacinth was crowned with the strongest title.
Not only because she was undoubtedly the Salvation Church's first combat force, but because any Magical Girl understood the significance. Regardless of current hidden combat power, this predecessor would definitely ascend the throne in the future.
Hibiscus felt trendous pressure responding to such expectations, but also enjoyed it.
"Ti to return to the island and prepare for the Fallen Zone war."
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