Reception hall.
Originally, Hibiscus thought they'd chosen a serious command center style long table, but unexpectedly, host Bull showed everyone an elegantly decorated ordinary reception room with sofas, tea service, and bookshelves—everything complete, as if isolating the war's gunpowder sll. The air even carried a trace of aromatherapy.
Both sides consciously sat on one side—at this mont, the atmosphere was ultimately heavy and awkward.
If it were just the rcenary Alliance, it might be fine, but the Salvation Church and military forces had clashed several tis, including the recent North-South Pole war.
The Magical Girls had crossed Planet Gaia's poles, each fighting beautiful suppression battles, indeed gaining great fa and establishing their influential position in the power storm with one stroke, forcibly reversing the parliant's original suppressive attitude toward so-called "illegal private associations," even making them silent as cicadas in winter, responsive to every request. But all this ca from stepping on the military to rise—could they be happy?
To be clear, actually three power factions were competing here, because regarding specific personnel and command authority, rcenaries and military still maintained distinctions, unwilling to be lumped together.
Continuing like this, everyone would stare at each other until the end.
Bull coughed lightly.
As host, he had to take responsibility for livening the atmosphere, simply being direct in his introduction:
"To be honest, our progress is very difficult—we have very limited grasp of the Fallen Zone situation. Supplies are being rapidly prepared, and each day's delay ans another day's military expenses, more importantly personnel fatigue. But front reconnaissance can't stop, so intelligence is crucial. Lady Hyacinth, I heard you have leads?"
"Yes, I also know this recapture war won't be easy—it'll definitely beco prolonged. But we can reduce so casualties—that's most key."
"......Your judgnt is quite realistic. Indeed correct."
Hibiscus spoke to set the tone.
The Salvation Church wasn't so omnipotent super organization—very difficult to change major trends. Keep psychological expectations low, don't expect quick victories. Speaking practically, the goal was minimizing losses.
The prophet's judgnt made everyone's faces involuntarily sink, but it also matched staff assessnts, so both sides jointly confird the war's inevitable prolongation.
"Chairman Bull, convenient to reveal the main obstacles in current execution plans?"
"Nothing to hide from you. Yes, the worst part is the staff group knows too little information. Starting from 200 kiloters deep, Fallen Zone infectious disease becos increasingly concentrated, suppressing our offensive. Moreover, because Disaster Beasts constantly fight and devour each other, destroying terrain, so markers and insufficiently solid landmarks are useless. Getting lost at sea is terrifying enough, let alone in Fallen Zones."
He signaled Sid to place a thick, high-precision military map on the table. At first glance, it was a black mass like children's scribbles.
The South Pacific had suffered Disaster Beast ravages for years, with excessive concentration creating a dense, highly polluted disease transmission zone—a life forbidden area. This wasn't over—various Disaster Beasts' Origin pressure intersected, causing domain-like storm cloud clusters, making general communication and magnetic direction-finding ineffective.
The Caribbean's Bermuda Triangle was fake—the South Pacific's was real.
Reconnaissance soldiers never returned.
Military maps should be detailed and full of intelligence, but this was mainly black with surrounding force deploynt notes, with little grasp of actual conditions.
Bull spread his hands—command high leadership including him showed embarrassnt and self-bla.
Working hard but failing to clarify Fallen Zone internal detailed conditions was disgraceful, extrely embarrassing. Especially in front of the Salvation Church, but concealnt was impossible, so they laid it out.
Hibiscus examined the map with a grave expression, making them slightly stunned—what was worth seeing in this thing?
Little did they know she was comparing with her own intelligence, cross-referencing.
No mistake.
Just then, Nan Zhiyi took over the eting rhythm: "Chairman, the Church has already grasped detailed intelligence about Fallen Zones. However, we also face so difficulties—suitable supplies are hard to find in the market, either substandard or price-gouging. We hope for cooperation on this."
"We're also tight—ask General Josh if you don't believe ." Croft maintained a dismissive attitude.
Dorothy tily added: "We can specially approve independent units to include new mbers......"
"What people? Did I talk to you?"
Magical Girl Dandelion looked coldly disdainful with a sneer. When hot-tempered Jin Yulu wasn't present, she was responsible for responding to slights, unafraid of stirring trouble. So gunpowder was good for cooperation—organizational nature determined this.
Officials naturally possessed attraction—the universe's end was bureaucracy. So Church Leadership had to carefully balance cooperation while preventing poaching, maintaining distance was the best policy.
If leader Hibiscus had to worry about reputation, then let her be the villain.
Previously, Church Leadership could ignore this because most personnel were persecuted Magical Girls, now many new mbers lacked that collective mory and weren't so averse to officials. To avoid loss possibilities, superstructure responded to grassroots ideological changes. Cooperation was fine—don't get involved, and don't ntion so-called independent units attempting annexation.
"Young people shouldn't be too arrogant." Croft pointed: "A group of pretentious fellows."
"If Aurora was defeated by pretense, what does that make you who can't compare? Sir, you left Fallen Zones as a festering wound during your term but won't take responsibility?"
"Verbal bravado."
"I'd rather be mute about this, but unfortunately you're blind regarding Fallen Zones and such matters."
Nan Zhiyi's unceremonious retort made several juniors laugh heartily. The steady Minase Kaori, Anri Sakagami, and Ruan Manyue were fine, but Ruan Xinyue, who had fought the military, laughed loudly quite mockingly.
Seeing this, forr superior Sid almost couldn't hold it together, thinking how this child was so serious at the rcenary company but liberated her nature after joining the Church.
Even Pasha covered her black veil and laughed, saying frankly: "Croft, put away your thoughts. Power balance benefits us all."
She often interfaced with the Church and least wanted projects to fall through.
Hearing this, Jin Ruochu and Elsa, who had been transparent, stepped forward—one advised Nan Zhiyi, the other apologized. Saying sorry was just for show—accustod to being a big star from a political family, she easily went through social motions.
Since both sides had ways down, they returned to business, with Bull nodding: "Take whatever supplies you want."
He seed to address Nan Zhiyi but knew the real decision-maker was Magical Girl Hyacinth.
"Good."
Hibiscus finished examining the map, leaning back leisurely in the sofa with crossed legs, smiling: "Deal established. We'll provide comprehensive South Pacific Disaster Beast Fallen Zone maps."
Everyone was shocked. The dignified Salvation Church Leader shouldn't lie, but hearing about detailed Fallen Zone maps, the staff still looked disbelieving.
Though they'd discussed this eting beforehand when the other side ntioned it, they took it as rhetoric.
You're serious?
Hibiscus signaled Anri Sakagami, who under everyone's gaze produced a briefcase with rainbow-colored barriers covering its surface. Spatial magic wrapped it tightly—thods to breakthrough were few worldwide. Now placed on the table with a click, it opened.
An oversized precision map was revealed to all. The outline resembled military exploration results, but internally worlds apart.
Fallen Zones were no longer misty but completely exposed.
At first glance, the title "Overview Map" included ocean currents with specific directions, temperatures, and waypoints, plus hidden reefs, small island positions. Simply unheard of, hard to believe Disaster Beasts had created a land-sea intermixed area to such degree—in a sense, truly pioneering living space, but not for humans. Too detailed to believe.
Next, Hibiscus produced another new map: "Seabed and Geological Structure Chart" full of professionalism. Like soone had conducted deep-sea exploration day after day for years.
This thing appearing directly stumped everyone—we only wanted military objectives, but you brought out scientific research too.
Not finished yet!
The bombshell debut: "Fallen Zone Special Disaster Beast Illustrated Guide (Selected)" with detailed explanations.
A thick volu landed with a bang on the table, also striking everyone's heartstrings as they stared wide-eyed in shock. How to put it? This shouldn't be called providing intelligence. Real intelligence leaned toward fragnted information requiring integration. The Church delivered everything ready-made, breaking it down and spoon-feeding.
Three maps cross-referenced, plus the military's one map for mutual verification, was enough to prove credibility. The mystery area beca crystal clear.
Realizing his dazed inappropriate state, Bull laughed awkwardly: "Your Excellency, I once thought so-called prophets were mystifying nonsense. Now I rather hope you used prophecy magic instead of intelligence capabilities so powerful they're like prophecy."
Hibiscus remained noncommittal.
Her enthusiasm for helping had multiple considerations beyond supplies and ally-pulling—she also intended to shock. Since everyone was present, the effect naturally reached maximum.
Even steadfast Croft looked completely puzzled.
Facts spoke louder than eloquence. Such detailed materials couldn't be obtained even draining Prophecy Books' abilities. Beyond that, they didn't know of other powerful divination. How was this achieved?
"Ti for sentintality is over, right? Everyone, ti to discuss specific tactics."
After Hibiscus's reminder, they ca to their senses, still shaken, their gazes holding wariness beyond amazent.
Everyone present was full of secrets, inevitably wondering: How much does Hyacinth know about ? She'd probably produce it at so appropriate mont.
"Our Church's interest demands are simple—large quantities of supplies, the finest kind, nothing else. Additionally, Magical Girls will naturally participate in this Disaster Beast Fallen Zone recapture war, but unrelated to any other forces—free action bearing risks. This should count as joint operations, right? Moreover, our combat results have already been provided to you, haven't they? When you chatted with dia."
Hibiscus presented conditions without arrogance or servility.
Her frankness made Bull uncomfortable responding. Sincerity was the ultimate weapon—anyone could see this intelligence was priceless. Casual repaynt would disappoint.
"I absolutely didn't an to coerce you all regarding dia matters—it was conveying joint action intentions. Whatever needs the Church has, just speak up. Your outstanding contributions are indelible. In front of so many friends, I promise full assistance."
"Intelligence was obtained through your painstaking efforts—everyone should know the Church's contributions. You are a heroic organizations."
"However, I still hope to maintain contact during operations to avoid friendly fire."
"Naturally."
Hyacinth remained calm throughout, seemingly in complete control, not just seeing through Fallen Zones but seeing through everyone present.
If other Magical Girls felt obviously like young people, her transcendent forward-looking perspective had nothing to do with age.
Croft also stated: "Anyway, military and rcenaries aren't clearly separated anymore. The Chairman's promise is my promise. From now on, whatever troubles your organization has, we can help. You must speak up, otherwise people think we only take others' things for free."
With both leaders, the staff responded in turn.
If this were just one transaction, it wouldn't warrant such solemnity. The key was that through successive wars, the Salvation Church had established its own weight—status earned through real combat. In a sense, standing with the military could drive away even catastrophic Disaster Beasts, standing with rcenaries could bomb even Relic Treasuries... The critical minority was extrely important and had to be won over.
High command had reached consensus: mobilizing large-scale warfare was impossible without Church cooperation.
As if confirming their judgnt, on the eve of this recapture war, Magical Girls offered information clearing the biggest obstacles. Mist dispersed, light broke through.
Now they had confidence.
Hibiscus retrieved the briefcase, making a rising gesture: "As the Chairman said, best to maintain contact. Let's make rough tactical coordination arrangents now to avoid chaos later."
"I'd be delighted—nothing better than discussing it."
After the two major leaders reached agreent, subordinates matched up one by one, at least verifying general operational ranges.
Nan Zhiyi and Croft, who had argued fiercely on the surface, talked and laughed at the map as if nothing happened—face-changing rivaled flipping books. No fundantal interest conflicts anyway, cooperation was fine. Everyone took what they needed—this business talk internally divided Disaster Beast resources and even territory.
Law stipulated captured areas could beco private property to increase enthusiasm. Once considered wasteland, now it had to beco part of negotiations.
Materials were also important.
New Church recruits needed suitable training, plus Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror relics would definitely operate overload, burning fuel.
Hibiscus's trip aid to deliver intelligence and lay groundwork for her strategic actions.
Seeing heated discussion, she raised the main topic: "The Church needs to penetrate as deep as possible to confirm so matters. Entering from New Zealand direction is most convenient. If we can jointly break open a breach, even better—then splitting forces won't be too late."
Hearing this, Bull's eyes lit up with agreent: "That works too. Everything's difficult at the start—let's ally to handle the first step, just like recent projects, right?"
Both showed smiles simultaneously.
The Salvation Church and rcenary Alliance leaders' mutual understanding in the reception hall was obviously directed at the military. Nearby, Croft's mouth twitched without response.
These young people always liked to poke at the old guys whenever possible.
He had to admit the North-South Pole wars were well-executed—even his longti friend Snow Maiden looked sowhat disheveled. He still rembered his forr colleague's powerful performance. After guarding the Antarctic Treasury, she'd definitely grown stronger, yet still faced suppression. As for the research center, no need to ntion—crazy enough, with laughable combat effectiveness.
In other words, as enemies, Magical Girl Organizations were troubleso; as friends, they were reassuring.
"General?"
Dandelion's reminder brought Croft back to his senses: "Sorry, old age ans insufficient concentration. Let's continue confirming logistics supplies."
"No need for such trouble—just use elite unit standards." Josh took the list, rapidly browsing while saying: "You two can confirm slowly. I need to educate our allies about this knowledge."
Across from her, Minase Kaori and Anri Sakagami's eyes showed clear innocence—obviously needing instruction.
The Salvation Church's talent cultivation was truly simple and brutal.
Bringing you out to see the world, then having veterans like Jin Ruochu oversee and audit. The dignified theater commander Josh had to explain logistics systems in detail and impart experience in scheduling and allocation. This organization increasingly stopped pretending they lacked large-scale military campaign capabilities, but speaking of which, how many people truly understood? Rather, this sense of discord deepened the mystery. But considering their great help, she was willing to give special tutoring to newcors.
On another side.
Pasha and Elsa, handling routine communication coordination, discussed how Managent Bureau's Glacier Island projects would gradually open to outsiders—no longer closed-door self-construction but allowing so construction enterprises to contract.
After all, the Church had already built the frawork and had no spare energy to continue focusing on it—might as well delegate so parts.
"......Construction in the Arctic is very challenging." Pasha diplomatically expressed difficulty: "Not just money issues—there'll probably be casualties."
"Don't worry, it's mostly handled, and it will move to temperate regions."
"Your organization always wanders the world—surely you're not enthusiastic about roaming? Why not find a suitable settling place?"
"The Managent Bureau will establish fixed office headquarters not on Glacier Island later, but not now—still early. Moreover, with frequent Disaster Beasts and constant infectious diseases, the Church can't spare hands. We're very busy—long-term matters can be discussed later," Elsa said aningfully.
"You must desire sothing greater."
"Why?"
"Can't say the exact reasons—intuition. Because Lady Hyacinth and Chairman Bull are very similar—the type that's enterprising and must always advance, naturally attracting various ambitious people. Even soone like who focuses on experintation and relic training gets dragged into various events, and you enjoy big news."
As if casually, she pointed out Elsa's thoughts, but the latter remained breezy without flaws. Neither could probe anything from the other—conversation returned to business.
How many talented individuals had the Church actually assembled? Even now, Pasha had no clear picture.
"How's life in the new organization? Still adapting?" Sid had no atmosphere for discussing tactics, instead chatting like a forr boss.
Ruan Manyue instinctively answered: "Thanks to Senior Hyacinth's care, everything's fine. Compared to company ti, there are different training tasks more targeted at Magical Girl physiques, such as—"
She was kicked in the shin by her sister before finishing.
The sister quickly fell silent while showing her forr boss a confused silly smile, eyes evasive. Though others saw her often relying on seniors, this dependency felt comfortable.
"Hey, Sid, don't change topics and beat around the bush. If there's business, talk business; if not, we can stare at each other. I'm not afraid of awkwardness—I love competing with others over who gets embarrassed first." While speaking, Ruan Xinyue swept through the table's tea and sweets, savoring exotic hospitality.
Haven't seen her for a while—Magical Girl Flowering Crabapple remained outgoing, even more at ho.
"Seems you're doing well. Actually, I once consulted psychology experts who believe only Magical Girls can retain their own kind."
"What do you an?"
"A new field—why use it as reference? You think so, right? Actually wrong. That tension when you were at the company wasn't fake. Wanting money was self-protection—otherwise, with this many sentences, you should've charged consultation fees long ago."
Ruan Xinyue shrugged without answering—tacit acknowledgnt.
She changed topics: "Be careful—this battle's quite troubleso. According to Senior Hyacinth, there are very powerful high-damage Disaster Beasts inside, so those of us with auxiliary abilities are training double-ti to be useful at key monts. I advise you to prepare accordingly—enemies have strong attack desires, possibly rushing forward full-force on first sight, like initial-kill monsters in gas."
Sid thanked her while nodding seriously. Maps were one aspect of intelligence, but Hyacinth's judgnt was more important.
If the great prophet considered things dangerous, it proved the Fallen Zone was full of experts. Moreover, as defenders, Disaster Beasts naturally held advantages—a tough nut to crack.
Strange.
Why must they make a trip to a place even the strongest Magical Girl who'd experienced catastrophe was wary of? Only ambition could explain it.
......Two hours later, everyone's conversation finally concluded.
They ultimately confird tearing open a breach from New Zealand direction, but unlike normal tactical plans, this ti they didn't discuss specific timing. Anyway, the main attack force was the New Allied Forces, while the Church only promised participation and entry from here—when exactly was uncertain, since so Magical Girls were still training.
"Even so, I'm already very grateful to you all." Bull rose and shook hands with the silver-haired girl, saying sincerely: "Thanks to everyone for breaking open the situation."
"Don't rely too heavily on it. You all saw it's just 'selected'—there's still so with heavy Knowledge Poison that I'm not certain about."
"I understand."
Everyone seeing the two leaders smiling as they concluded negotiations finally breathed relief.
Not being nervous was impossible—after all, this small room entangled their faction's grudges and resentnts, easily sparking new warfare. Fortunately, all were restrained enough—occasional argunts but generally smooth.
As host, Bull naturally had to escort guests back, but walking out the door with the group, he saw dark skies—black clouds too thick to dissipate shrouding the island.
"......I grew up inland—first ti seeing this. Ocean weather is truly mysterious and unpredictable."
"No, it's a harbinger of large-scale Cluster Disaster Beasts."
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