As the Villain, I Have a Persuasion System Chapter 204 : Do You Have Good Teammates

Galápagos Islands waters.

A massive fleet sailed routes in the Fallen Zone's periphery. Not far away was dense gray-black substantiated magic power—a sight unique to the core zone. It represented infection factors filling the air, incompatible with normal environntal density, thus distorting and presenting a layer of thick, undissolved circular formations. Two-way passage was very difficult.

The fleet with total displacent exceeding 500,000 tons seed so small before the storm. However, when they sailed toward it, a clear berth automatically opened.

Dense clouds swirled on both sides, stars and moon hung high overhead, seawater glittered with ripples.

In the carrier island command room, Dorothy held her breath even more.

She manipulated a flying Disaster Beast corpse to the fleet's airspace. Each area it flew over automatically dispersed the fog. Not only that—Pasha and Philona, who also possessed control abilities, respectively controlled puppets for dispersal work. Though the three parties had no communication, experienced Holy Relics could sense ntal fluctuations, easily cooperating to form a safe zone shielding against infection disease.

Disaster Beast figures occasionally appeared in the ocean, but before the military could act, they wailed and lost vitality one after another, even being salvaged and dragged up.

Thanks to Hyacinth.

This tactic was entirely built on the virus relic Black Jar's ability: creating neutralizing factors for reverse-erosion Disaster Beast infection disease, even capable of launching biological warfare against targets with remarkable effects.

Similarly, if Hyacinth planted specific virus magic power into certain targets beforehand—like puppets—she could command them like limbs as now for cleanup work.

Worthy of Salvation Church's Leader—thorough consideration, directly thinking of usage thods corresponding to Holy Relics, convenient for everyone. This way of doing things felt very comfortable. No wonder she could be smooth in all directions. After real cooperation, one would understand Hyacinth had not only prophet status but more importantly, great wisdom.

In any case, the Black Jar relic's power made this plan much easier, otherwise infection disease alone would be enough trouble.

The Magical Girl's magic exceeded Dorothy's expectations.

Though she'd previously fought Flowering Crabapple and witnessed ti magic's terror, she hadn't expected the other party's thods to be endless.

Black Jar once lay quietly in the Relic Treasury with people often avoiding it, but in Salvation Church's hands it shone brilliantly. That belonged to Hyacinth having the ability to turn decay into magic, even crafting a trump card.

So the ssage she specifically requested old partner Josh to relay was concerning.

Dorothy suddenly spoke: "What do you think of Miss Hyacinth's earlier warning?"

"Better believe it exists than not. So I've already deployed most life spores—if sothing happens, at least I can save a life." Philona was always cautious.

"I should be the one who's dealt with them most. I understand the Church—actually, when she issues warnings, it generally ans it will definitely happen."

Though nun-born Pasha gave a mystical atmosphere, her aning was clear—best pay attention, since Magical Girl Hyacinth's prophecies had never been wrong so far. Precisely because of this track record, even these two battle-tested colleagues were on edge, especially since the terrain was bad now—the fleet's current route seed positioned in a deep valley.

Splash!

Suddenly mist dispersed, sea tides surged.

Underwater ca a series of snapping and shattering sounds echoing in all directions—energy unique to spatial magic rapidly dissipated. From within suddenly erged a silver-gray pterosaur over a hundred ters long, gaunt and shriveled with clearly visible bone structure, producing spatial fluctuations around it.

"Prepare for impact!" Dorothy issued commands while directing her puppet straight toward the target.

Unexpectedly, the enemy perford a light glide to avoid it, ascending and spreading huge wings comparable to a warship, blocking stars and moon to cast shadows. anwhile, seawater under those wings generated magic shields resisting firepower strikes, from which erged thousands upon thousands of Disaster Beasts—densely packed and spine-chilling.

After doing all this, it flickered again. Such massive volu shuttled back and forth in the air, making even missiles unable to pursue, often losing targets without trace.

"The worst news is the intelligence was right." Dorothy gritted her teeth and declared: "It's the teleporting Lurker."

"Correct."

The voice echoing in minds made the entire army briefly stunned. They'd heard high-tier Disaster Beasts were intelligent, but this calm, even proud tone was even more hair-raising.

"Outsiders aren't welco here. You'll stay forever."

As soon as the words fell, Disaster Beast clusters from the hegemon ruler erged from the sea surface. Originally they couldn't get this close, but through spatial concealnt magic they reached the fleet's inner circle. Both sides imdiately entered close combat—like the high-tier Disaster Beast Water Monster battle.

"Terrible, that guy used wind to blow away spores I scattered in the air." Philona regretfully shrugged.

Dorothy said seriously: "Then replenish them. You don't need to fight—do your job well."

Boom!

Before she could give further instructions, fusion Disaster Beasts controlled by Pasha in the fleet's outer waters had already engaged one of the enemy's bosses. Just the leaking pressure made bulletproof glass creak and groan.

"This won't work. We must ensure the fleet stays away from enemies to leverage firepower advantage, or it'll be a repeat of Josh's battle. Full speed withdrawal—"

"You're thinking too optimistically."

The Lurker disappeared again, instantly flickering to a supply ship in the lead retreat. Without technique, it vertically smashed into steel armor with pure force. Under such massive strength, steel twisted, ammunition exploded sympathetically, a fireball rose high illuminating the night sky. Even this didn't satisfy it—two clawed feet viciously tore at the hull, then spread wings to maximum while looking up and crying long. Pressure from the Hegemon Disaster Beast spread in waves, making most people suffer splitting headaches.

Though they'd made various resistance preparations beforehand, truly facing higher life-level beings still shook them profoundly.

At this mont even Dorothy couldn't help supporting her forehead, aching all over, dizzy and disoriented. Obviously it wasn't just magic pressure but that cry containing sonic attacks. Delaying further would doom them all here—losses would be imasurable.

She grabbed a radio and shouted "How much longer do we need..."

"We're here."

The other end hung up while the ocean erupted in rolling waves. Energy from nature carried the fleet in a mad dash, rapidly distancing from the combat zone.

The three people in the carrier island command room imdiately breathed sighs of relief—codena Holy Relic Trident had arrived. His ability was very suitable for naval combat, and his arrival also represented another person.

The sky sohow began snowing goose feathers, cold throughout heaven, frigid wind howling, the azure sea covered with a frosty layer. The previously aggressive Lurker folded its wings and landed on the sea surface, eyes full of wariness, gaze fixed on the pure white graceful figure on the distant horizon.

"Soone troubleso ca."

Though saying this, the Lurker smiled, its massive pterosaur exterior rapidly expanding. The originally gaunt, weak body swelled with muscle filling gaps, incredibly strong.

Hegemon Disaster Beasts causing trouble in the Fallen Zone depths wouldn't only know hiding and movent thods. For them, external intimidation was very important. Once serious combat began, they still relied on surging vitality as foundation. The larger the volu, the relatively smaller the damage area—an advantage. So the more expanded, the better.

Why did it actively go to war with that stinking sea anemone? Wasn't it because of compatibility?

The siege action against Magical Girl Tulip was more suited to high defense, strong single-target attacks, and special chanism cooperation.

Conversely, the two hegemons with both mobility and stealth simply advanced to the core zone periphery for combat. This plan aid to avoid fighting on two fronts.

re humans couldn't even perceive this ticulous plan.

Once Disaster Beasts possessed certain intelligence, they could suppress primitive desires for vigorous appetite, instead plotting sches. Though the four rulers accumulated countless contradictions daily, it didn't an they couldn't unite. On the contrary, with humans and Magical Girls actively delivering feasts, why not? Today it had already gained sothing—perhaps it could get even more.

The Lurker looked down, peeling open warship iron plating beneath its feet, its great mouth extending in and out stained with blood and flesh.

"Good taste."

It deliberately provoked but saw no expression on Snow Maiden's face, as if that pretty face was also frozen, having lost color long ago, unmoved by worldly concerns.

"The army really causes trouble for people, but my task is to stop you." She said ethereally: "You were better off shrinking in the Fallen Zone depths, avoiding a beating."

"You can't even accomplish the task of blocking this level."

Both sides showed no rcy, minds filled with one thought: wanting you dead. But neither could decide for the mont—fight to what degree? Decide life and death here? Or observe subordinates' combat situations? Just thinking about it felt exhausting...

Wrong!

The Lurker suddenly looked toward the distance, seeing the witch hiding there casting ntal interference curses. A dignified Hegemon Disaster Beast was actually suffering sneak attacks.

The next mont, an icy sword cut into its wing, blood flowing freely. Wanting to take flight, its form stuttered and had to return to the frozen sea surface. However, attacks were far from over—dizziness struck, followed by Snow Maiden's fierce pursuit. One sword faster than the next—no, accurately speaking, it had slowed down.

"Hyacinth said you're not good at handling ntal power, with weaknesses in wing joints. Indeed correct."

Snow Maiden coldly pronounced judgnt, her hand movents not slow at all. The seemingly simple ice sword actually mixed the second relic moir's knowledge poison contamination power.

After the Antarctic Relic Treasury battle, she understood that against enemies with high physical strength, better inject knowledge poison early.

Protea had powerful teammates who could resist knowledge poison.

Do you?

This ti attacking with full power from the start, Snow Maiden gave the enemy no chances. Mobilizing surging magic power, she grasped the Lurker's wing and tore viciously. Bone and flesh flew with its screams, though the opponent's vitality showed no signs of decline.

"Everyone likes ntioning that Magical Girl's na—captives do, you do too. After eating you all, I'll eat Hyacinth."

Deep roars accompanied sonic cannonballs forcing Snow Maiden back. Just dozens of ters' gap let it regenerate completely, while the witch was also interrupted by other Disaster Beasts.

"If you can't even handle this fleet, you're not qualified to be the strongest Magical Girl's opponent."

Having personally experienced Sands of Ti's power, Snow Maiden clearly understood how terrifying those who combined chanisms, stats, and combat experience were. If it were Hyacinth, she'd definitely maintain ntal defenses while stacking protective origin and Regalia armor too hard for ice swords to cut, or end everything before all this happened—no room for scheming... In any case, having experienced the Antarctic battle, she shouldn't be this weak. Show full power!

Sever—

The snow-white girl who exploded again without warning clenched her sword with ten fingers, transforming into a glacier covering the sky—ten thousand tons of pressure, sharp edge ruthlessly smashing the target.

The wing joint suffering another attack silently fractured, cold magic power rapidly draining energy.

It understood the enemy's combat thinking was attacking weak points for continuous bleeding.

Neither held back. Figures intersected, frost accompanied spatial teleportation in continuous exchanges. Each contact was like earth-shaking. Shockwaves even caught up to the fleet swept away by Trident's tsunami. Military and Disaster Beasts in heated battle couldn't help looking sideways:

The horizon was burning!

Substantiated magic power was clear enough that even ordinary people could see those flowing, colorful flas—actually two friction energies irregularly surging, an unyielding contest.

A hegemon naturally had pride. Since Snow Maiden repeatedly challenged one point, the Lurker wasn't polite either. Then spatial magic power actively folded wounds while making them disappear, closing distance with lightning speed. Right—its mobility relied on wings, but ignoring wounds worked too.

Claws paused in midair. The attempted surprise attack was ultimately delayed by frost around Snow Maiden, but it grinned instead.

Wound muscles surged, suddenly shooting ultra-high-pressure blood that froze into a spear in air, breaking the sound barrier, crossing their distance unobstructed.

Splurt!

Amid the Lurker's wild laughter, the blood spear pierced Snow Maiden's abdon. The mixed magic power was enough to shred all internal organs—dangerous even with Holy Relic physical qualities. Regeneration was possible, but at such close range after consuming massive magic power, it almost decided victory.

However, its laughter stopped halfway.

Snow Maiden's wound area actually scattered crystalline ice—was she really a snowman? Only now did the Lurker realize that re humans fighting this long without bleeding, sweating, even barely breathing... how was that possible? Now the white girl, briefly injured, instinctively guarded then straightened again, standing firm, her damaged form not affecting the increasingly intense pressure at all.

She touched the hollow part of her body, involuntarily thinking of the girl in the painting. Actually, we're about the sa, aren't we?

"Relic contamination eating away at the body has one benefit—it makes actively approach its power nature, rather convenient, isn't it?"

"Compared to , you're the monster." Even the Disaster Beast snorted coldly.

"Right, who doesn't know regeneration and self-healing these days? Not fearing injury or not getting injured is what's impressive." Just after speaking, Snow Maiden's magic power surged again throughout her body, even whipping up blizzards filling dozens of kiloters around.

At this mont her heart was leaping, incredibly fervent. That girl in the painting was right—only oneself could decide whether to live and how to live.

The South Pacific Fallen Zone brought superior magic power concentration, so Ancient Holy Relics could use power exceeding original limits. How could this not be exciting?

Rumble!

Impact waves dissipating from Snow Maiden and the Lurker's combat zone made the fleet pitch continuously. Fortunately, under Trident's control, waves wouldn't capsize ships, but the current scene was no different from natural disaster, filling people's faces with dismay and inevitably striking morale.

The power unique to Hegemon Disaster Beasts unleashed without reservation in all directions. Even battle-tested elite forces couldn't help but feel chilled.

"Don't just stand there—stabilize course, clear targets within visual range."

Dorothy's calm, composed orders forcibly drove the entire army into action. They needed motivation or morale would easily collapse, so she issued several consecutive commands—so useful, so just to keep people busy. Regardless, the fleet tossing in giant waves still regrouped, unleashing decisive fleet-level firepower on the Hegemon Disaster Beast swarm. Blood and flesh flew instantly.

Those erging from the Fallen Zone depths naturally weren't easy opponents. They scattered to attack warships separately, attempting deck invasions.

But waves always stood with the military. Wave after wave pushed the fleet rapidly away, leaving pursuing Disaster Beasts completely helpless, watching the ocean with longing. Before they could react, they faced firepower coverage.

At this mont Philona had released parasitic spores—ordinary Disaster Beasts quickly wilted once contaminated.

"Well-deserved reputation—their life energy is quite strong."

"Then help out."

Even without Pasha's explanation, years of cooperation experience made her partner imdiately understand. Spores carrying enormous life force were sent to the synthetic Disaster Beast.

The next mont she used the Faceless One relic to completely release all physical limitations. The thousand-ton whale monster, reduced to pure primitive instinct, crashed into enemy ranks, entering white-hot battle. Single-handedly holding off several Vanguard Disaster Beasts, making continued pursuit difficult.

anwhile, radio communication from Trident arrived: "I'll push the fleet further away. Prepare fire support for Snow Maiden."

"Don't worry."

"Mm, her erosion is quite severe. I don't want to waste too much in a battle aid at delay."

The channel also carried the witch's report: "I've intercepted a boss Disaster Beast here, but I'm not the type for frontal combat. Quick firepower coverage."

If the fleet could help, the Holy Relics could reduce erosion consumption.

As deputy, she clearly understood her superior Snow Maiden's condition was worrying. The already severely eroded Ancient Holy Relic had repeatedly fought fierce battles with strong enemies, adding variables. Recent battles against the girl in painting, Golden Dragon Emperor, and Lyra—three rounds of combat—were already exhausting enough. Now they absolutely couldn't drag it out with a Hegemon Disaster Beast.

Splash!

Torrents pushed the fleet ten kiloters away at breakneck speed, too fast for the Disaster Beast army to pursue. Just as they figured out direction, several more Holy Relics joined the interception, stubbornly blocking the offensive in a stalemate.

In terms of absolute numbers, Holy Relics under official control outnumbered Magical Girls, so large-scale battles weren't feared as long as soone covered them. Besides, mbers of the rcenary Alliance's killer squad were also present.

At this mont the witch witnessed a black-clothed woman's phantom form shuttling among Disaster Beasts. Each touch rapidly withered and decayed targets—combined with stealth assassinations, extrely fast.

Codena Wraith, one of the killer squad captains.

As a fellow high-end combat mber of the New Allied Forces, she naturally knew this person. Finally acting. However, they passed each other without further acknowledgnt—the forr was antisocial, the latter too lazy to talk. Led by them, nurous Holy Relics cooperated with Trident's field advantages to firmly block invaders. Even thousands of Disaster Beasts couldn't break through temporarily, scratching ears and cheeks helplessly.

"Fire coverage—shoot everything out." Dorothy shouted orders.

Missile destroyers responded first, whooshing out streams of light targeting enemies. Specially loaded high-explosive ammunition aid to kill single targets.

Boom!

Continuous explosions put Disaster Beasts in a sea of fire, wailing mournfully, even diving deep to escape in pain. However, Trident wouldn't allow it—once large numbers left the battlefield, waves would drag them up.

The military's goal was eliminating enemy forces to create casualty situations, higher priority than clearing the Fallen Zone. So given opportunities, they'd pursue complete annihilation.

Subordinates' wails made the Lurker slightly stunned. Though they were worthless, the Fallen Zone depths still needed them watching territory. Losing too many would inevitably shake its position.

Fundantally, why should it co to magic-poor areas for interception, just because it was "more suitable"?

It couldn't waste energy here.

With this thought, the Lurker already had retreat intentions. Actions often preceded thinking—preparing to fly away, it once again exposed a flaw.

In that fleeting instant, Snow Maiden exhaled, gray-black snowflakes actually freezing the high-tier Disaster Beast elite. Its face changed drastically. Damn, slacking on protective origin circulation—why was a defective Ancient Holy Relic so keen?

As if reading the Lurker's confusion, even Snow Maiden showed her first expression since battle began, smugly saying: "We've fought long enough—I understand you."

The next mont, the moir relic mobilized its full load of Knowledge Poison, crackling through the enemy.

This move worked well on targets other than Magical Girls and Holy Relics. Contamination born from the world's most basic rules poured viciously into the target's body. Even a Hegemon Disaster Beast's vitality cried out. The opponent tried struggling, but Snow Maiden wouldn't miss the chance, practically clinging to ice blocks while greeting it with her sword—forceful enough to carve several bloody holes.

"Human, don't be too arrogant—"

Almost simultaneously with Snow Maiden's damage, the Lurker shook its wings. Unprecedented spatial attribute shockwaves tore apart the ice field accumulated throughout battle.

Thump! The origin surging in her mind represented the opponent actually leaping again. Then massive wings converged like fists, ruthlessly striking her shoulder. The disparate size difference quickly sent her flying.

Too fast—this movent was completely undetectable, indeed coming and going freely, like facing Magical Girl Hyacinth before.

Even battle-tested Snow Maiden couldn't help cold sweat on her back. Seems the enemy was finally willing to show full power.

Boom!

As the Lurker violently activated magic impact, the sea surface shattered like a mirror, stirring vast force fields for indiscriminate destruction within a 5-kiloter absolute annihilation zone.

At the critical mont, Snow Maiden only managed to mobilize all magic power for self-defense. Fortunately, the uninterested Hegemon Disaster Beast imdiately took flight, calling subordinates to return. Very decisive retreat without a word of nonsense, seemingly never taking the fleet seriously from start to finish.

The Lurker ca suddenly and left decisively, not fond of prolonged battle. Anyway, unique attributes gave it a calm attitude facing everything.

Regardless, the raid was over.

Snow Maiden found warship wreckage and slowly bent to examine wounds. Only now did she have ti to check her condition. Sure enough, all internal organs had beco dangling gaps, but after disengaging combat, they quickly recovered and regenerated toward completeness.

She smiled bitterly, murmuring: "So what? Still just an empty shell—aningless."

Ancient Holy Relics' fusion degree with relics themselves exceeded everyone's imagination—could even be called becoming them, inseparable. Repair didn't need magic power—Knowledge Poison chanisms required carriers to enter those relics, so they self-completed. Even dying wasn't easy. Conversely, erosion continued, requiring another absolutely painful death thod. Witnessing such ons, even she couldn't help being moved.

However, she counted as young among Ancient Holy Relics. Though erosion seed severe, ntal shelf life was still long—no need to worry. Thinking this improved her mood sowhat.

Moreover, Snow Maiden dared assert the magic revival era would show more possibilities. Perhaps the relic fusion path wasn't a dead end after all, just like feeling dense energy now.

Without the Fallen Zone's rich magic power, she probably would have lost already. Correspondingly, the Hegemon Disaster Beast left suitable environnts—who was stronger remained debatable.

"Great, we survived." Sudden cheers interrupted her thoughts.

"Long live reinforcents—Antarctic Base is too strong."

"Today we're truly blessed—must celebrate properly."

Though surrounded by warship wreckage, it didn't an total annihilation. So fusion warriors tenaciously survived. So President Bull's planned modifications were indeed useful—otherwise just falling in water and pressure would be deadly enough. Casualty numbers would be more exaggerated.

In sight, steel twisted. Warships like mobile sea islands gradually sank, too heavy to even cause small whirlpools, occasionally hearing ammunition detonation sounds.

They could no longer support themselves, rolling into the vast ocean one after another. Sea breezes left no trace—only gunpowder scent remained.

Regardless, No. 2 lineup's Galápagos Islands forces suffered considerable losses, requiring rest at minimum. Facts proved Disaster Beasts still had reserves—slight relaxation brought retaliation. Even she nearly died in battle.

Without Hyacinth providing intelligence to seize initiative, the situation would definitely be worse.

"Dawn's breaking."

Snow Maiden watched the eastern horizon show pale light, breathing relief. Her mood brightened inexplicably—stretching lazily toward warm sunlight felt good to be alive.

"Commander, you're safe—that's wonderful." The witch arrived with first aid dical kit, beaming.

"No ti wasting—to the flagship command room."

Antarctic Base personnel gathered at the carrier island, equally busy with people coming and going, docunts scattered on floors. So were even carried away on stretchers—obviously affected badly. But seeing the famous Ancient Holy Relic, officers still showed Snow Maiden respect. Everyone belonged to the sa faction anyway, plus she was definitely a lifesaver—truly escaping death.

Imagine if no one stopped the Lurker—with its characteristics fully utilizing high mobility advantages, total annihilation was possible.

They felt fortunate while greeting each other briefly. Then Dorothy as host invited several people to the captain's quarters for detailed discussion, finally escaping noisy clamor. She poured mocha coffee for Pasha and Snow Maiden respectively—rich aromas wafting.

Other powerful Holy Relics were in logistics rescue—unfortunately unable to enjoy beverages, though they weren't here for leisure either. There was important business.

Dorothy got straight to the point: "Josh just reported—Base No. 1 construction complete, including signal stations. Normal communication in this area is now guaranteed."

"Good news."

Hearing this, Pasha praised while ever-cool Snow Maiden nodded. For them it was also beneficial—after all, Antarctic Base and Winter rcenary Company were easily impacted by Fallen Zone spillover. Being safer was welco.

"Bad news is besides today and Josh's encounters, Disaster Beasts generally trend toward depths gathering."

"Weren't they just stirring up trouble everywhere recently?"

"Right, so headquarters calculates continuous warfare caused Disaster Beasts' rapid consumption, vacating ecological niches. Plus rulers deliberately consolidating remnants, the overall situation actually shows high concentration." Dorothy's brow showed additional worry. "So we didn't eliminate enough enemy forces—possibly even strengthened Fallen Zone depths' military strength. In short, enemies are also dynamically changing. Advantage isn't ours."

"Normal—when we rcenaries do odd jobs, we always face unexpected situations. Enemies have brains too. Plans were destined to go off-track from the start."

"Another point—according to agreent, the Church will depart after Josh initially establishes the base."

Before expedition, Salvation Church explained that after escorting No. 2 lineup, they'd head to Fallen Zone depths. Indeed keeping their word.

This promise's value grew increasingly high.

Initially, New Allied Forces held intelligence thinking they understood fairly well, but imdiate contact showed the other side was bloodthirsty, tenaciously vital, elusive, even organized. Fallen Zone natives made past Disaster Beasts seem like irregular forces. Enemies were far more formidable than imagined—simply killing machine incarnations.

Salvation Church definitely experienced this deeply yet still planned to forge ahead... No, they knew from the beginning, then judged it still worth going.

What could make such thoughtful organizations risk everything must be hugely significant, though outsiders didn't know specifics. But actually nobody was optimistic—after all, everyone knew Hegemon Disaster Beasts occupied there. Elite forces sent in over the years never returned.

More than nurical advantage—they'd ford scale effects. Once mobilized, they'd be like super armies. Even the Church would lose.

"I think they have trump cards." Snow Maiden suddenly spoke.

"Though I also think it's too reckless—one Magical Girl Organization isn't nearly enough—I respect allies' choices." Then Pasha changed topics. "We just need to prepare for response, closely monitor Fallen Zone movents. Rescue possibilities can't be ruled out. How about it, General?"

"Of course, we'll act according to plan. Anyway, outer zone cleanup is nearly finished. What remains is whether we can face Disaster Beasts' counterattacks."

Dorothy thought the Salvation Church would likely face danger, even suffer huge losses. Then the military would have to fill the gap.