Over the wasteland.
The returning Salvation Church group could still feel vast heat, rolling roars, boundless. Everything was burning, black dust filling their vision. Though ant as a welcoming site, it was completely unbeautiful.
War had destroyed the center of the world's second-largest tropical rainforest—nuclear radiation would probably linger quite a while.
World Serpent carried everyone down to a less affected grassy area.
Jasminum was already sound asleep, with Kale coaxing her. As for the Ruan sisters, they remained cautious as always, wearing full hazmat suits, quite prepared.
Though they weren't the main force, tangling with Codena Holy Relics wasn't easy. High-intensity combat would exhaust anyone.
"Wait." Suddenly Tulip made a warning gesture. "I sense bombs still buried underground, parater settings probably aid at the teleportation array."
The Magical Girls all looked skyward.
More strangely, the fairy technique had unknowingly repaired more than half—and it didn't look like their handiwork...
"Please rest assured, those bombs will never explode." Suddenly a Magical Girl in qipao Regalia appeared from thin air on the scorched earth, smiling sweetly: "Moreover, I'm assisting in repairing the fairy technique—they'll arrive soon."
Before Hibiscus's group could react, Jasminum suddenly woke up.
"Poppy? How are you here?" She widened her innocent eyes. "Didn't you say before you were traveling as a magician?"
"I got tired of playing and decided to settle down. I simply disguised myself as a Holy Relic and infiltrated—also following Hydrangea's suggestion. She divined the Association would beco the event center."
The Ranger organization leader's certification went without saying. The key was even Kale was stunned—she only knew the codena and had t once, now discovering an old acquaintance. Well, the opponent was clearly Growth Stage Magical Girl level. If intent on hiding, it would indeed be hard to detect. Actually mixing in the Holy City Association all along—truly surprising, old friends reuniting.
Nan Zhiyi had an epiphany: "According to the South African investigation report, that technique master who interrupted ghost reconnaissance was you?"
"Yes."
The Salvation Church group also lowered their guard. So there had been connection before—thinking carefully, the nuclear bombs not completely destroying the fairy technique probably also had her contribution. Actually doing so much in secret.
"I've heard of you, the first technique master among Magical Girls, proficient in various magic arts, possessing attainnts no less than powerful fairies."
Hibiscus's praise made everyone slightly stunned.
Heard of? Could only be Ti Prophecy technique, and speaking so knowledgeably from the start probably ant gathering intelligence more than once. So Hyacinth showed no surprise at all.
Of course—in the original work, the Ti Priestess had strongly invited Poppy to join, showing her value.
Recognition from netizens and the final boss was like a super certificate—so this first technique master definitely wasn't undeserved reputation.
The qipao Regalia girl said with slight sincerity: "Let reintroduce myself. I'm Poppy, a Technique Magic magician. That said, I'm only particularly skilled at tricks—please don't have too high expectations for my frontal combat ability. But I'm confident in techniques. My hobby is bartending, usually part-ti training. I hate the loneliness of having no companions most, so please let join your organization."
While speaking, she took out a handkerchief that suddenly beca a tray full of cocktails, presenting it before everyone. The aroma of alcohol and fragrance drifted out.
"To victory."
Hibiscus accepted a glass, others followed suit. Everyone clinked glasses and drank happily.
She spoke frankly: "Actually we still lack coordination—we need a break-in period. But since Miss Jasminum vouches for you, I definitely trust you. Welco, Poppy. Having the first technique master join is also the Salvation Church's honor."
"Originally I planned to observe longer—after all, the Holy City Association is so formidable. But witnessing your battle with Crimson Tsunami, I made up my mind to take the gamble."
"My efforts weren't wasted—I did manage good advertising."
After pondering, Poppy carefully asked: "This repeated observation before joining... I hope you don't misunderstand my caution. Sorry. Anyway, I'll respond to trust with actual actions."
"Don't mind it. In the future I've seen, you're very resolute—you'll definitely beco our good comrade. Take care from now on."
The two shook hands firmly.
The famous prophet's such high evaluation made Magical Girl Poppy feel honored—only now realizing she was quite talented?
Though Hibiscus hadn't specifically inquired about her related stories, fragnts were enough. Even under coercion from soone like the original Ti Priestess, she didn't yield—wasn't that loyal enough?
Moreover, Poppy once served as a Managent Bureau teacher, diligent and conscientious, one of the pillars during turbulent tis, beloved by all. A proper symbol of righteousness—now bringing her under command gave a sense of satisfying collection desire. The Salvation Church was winning big.
Other Magical Girls seeing Hibiscus's performance looked on with interest, adding a friendly atmosphere.
As everyone knew, the world's strongest magic Sands of Ti could see through the future. The user's such praise naturally had no problems—at least proving the new mber was trustworthy, no need for excessive wariness. Actually, Poppy's opening performance was also good—she'd helped the Church and was a rare professional knowledge holder. Definitely a priority card they should absorb, gathering talent widely.
"Do you have other intelligence?" Jasminum asked seemingly casually.
Demonstrate more value.
As a forr superior, she seed to nap but wasn't stupid. She had an obligation to let original team mbers smoothly join the Salvation Church. Rarely did Hyacinth value soone so much—also good for everyone to smoothly establish trust foundation.
"...Actually Chariot prepared a move—using radio telescope signals to contact space stations, having the Ring of Levitation user take action."
This statent shocked everyone—no one expected such civilization-shaking relic owners to exist.
Hibiscus replied: "Yes, at least I know it does have a qualified user, codenad Sleeping Beauty."
"Nothing escapes Miss Hyacinth's notice—correct." After a light cough, Poppy continued explaining: "Your shock also proves Ring of Levitation acting would bring huge political upheaval. So Chariot kept hesitating—until his death, he hadn't managed to decide."
Most afraid was Jin Yulu, since she was responsible for dueling and killing Chariot. What if sothing went wrong? Thinking carefully, how terrifying would that relic be?
Gravity!
The Magical Girls unanimously imagined the Ring of Levitation's power—clearly celestial-level might. The ability was guessable too—adjusting gravity multiples. How much could they withstand? Fortunately, the Salvation Church fought quickly and decisively, winning first.
Hibiscus fell into thought.
Even though she'd prepared several trump cards, it didn't an hearing Sleeping Beauty almost acted didn't give her lingering fear. The key was that relic was too overpowered.
Facts proved the Holy City Association had deep foundations—this battle didn't bring out full local forces. So the King's Holy Spear puppet retreating was indeed very convincing, because even the Ring of Levitation card wasn't played. No need to continue fighting Magical Girls to mutual destruction.
Besides, the Salvation Church was also wary. Though news of Ring of Levitation having a master would bring political challenges, could Hibiscus really counterattack at full force to crush the opposition?
So it was equivalent to playing a trump card that put both sides on fire—mutual loss.
After understanding, the silver-haired girl murmured: "Thank you for Poppy's intelligence. I'll be more careful in the future."
Hearing this, the Magical Girls all nodded. They hadn't expected such hidden maneuvering—if a gravity cannon had struck from above during intense battle, they'd probably be wiped out instantly, if not dead then skinned alive.
Indeed, they needed to raise a threat assessnt of the Holy City Association. But the Salvation Church wasn't pushovers either—this battle left both sides even.
"Smart of them." Jin Ruochu snorted coldly. "Let them use the Ring of Levitation—at worst we'll blow up with it. Can't let our people be threatened."
"Of course."
Hibiscus expressed understanding—after all, Ancient Holy Relics had already reached Jin Changfeng's side.
Poppy continued explaining: "Actually Sleeping Beauty's condition is unstable—can't be called intelligent, personality performance even worse than Ghost. Years ago she died from excessive relic erosion—that kind of continuous tic infection where even creating clones would die instantly with no replacent. You can imagine the aerospace field without Ring of Levitation, right? Of course not."
"So the Holy City Association having this card doesn't an they can play it recklessly. Ultimately they must consider impact—otherwise mutual destruction. At least they're rational."
"With changing world magic power, I feel the King isn't as crazy as before—more like vigorous energy from final radiance."
She spoke of her experience as a spy in the world's first transcendent organization—truly first-hand material. After years of interaction, the Holy Relic codenad Technique Master had deeply understood this organization.
"If fairy abilities are their only way to survive, they definitely won't give up easily. Does a second thod exist?"
Hibiscus imdiately asked the key question.
"Supposedly there's so thod called leading to the next era—I don't know specifics."
Just ntioning it made Magical Girl Poppy's eyes bleed, pupils filled with red. Knowing it was Knowledge Poison feedback, she didn't regenerate but let it ravage—enough to show her intelligence had no falsehood.
The first transcendent organization dominating the world for years still had many secrets to uncover, but that didn't an the Salvation Church feared them. Regardless, the first battle was victorious.
Swoosh!
Trajectory lines crossed the sky—clearly Hydrangea responsible for nuclear submarines, Minase Kaori responsible for island defense. According to plan, if their respective areas were stable, they'd gather at the battle center.
Such frequent mobile changes were to confuse potential enemies' observation. Even with hostility, it was hard to act.
Most important was the fairy critical location.
Seeing the group unhard, they sighed in relief—truly worthy of the Salvation Church main force going all out.
Hibiscus introduced the newly joined mber Magical Girl Poppy to the two—this procedure could be called complete recruitnt.
Hydrangea wiped sweat from her forehead before speaking: "It was too dangerous then. You don't know how risky using nuclear bombs to intercept nuclear bombs is? I'd never used such unreliable divination—if sothing went wrong, we'd all be wiped out."
While speaking, she began coughing blood. Nearby Kale quickly supported her.
"...Fortunately everything went smoothly. When I ca, they were already withdrawing. Whether they accept it or not, the result is Holy Relics risking universal condemnation by using nuclear bombs achieved nothing."
"Right, and Hermit Island's firepower has taken over coastal defense, clearing remaining Disaster Beasts. It looks like the military deliberately left a gap." Minase Kaori said.
The overall situation was decided.
The silver-haired girl nodded: "Bull gave us so private ti. Taking this opportunity to handle the fairy situation... looks like they still need a while. Everyone rest first—I also need to ditate."
After giving instructions, she sat cross-legged on the spot, breathing steady, magic power even.
Other Magical Girls also rested one after another—after all, no guarantee what spaceti turbulence world barrier fracturing might bring. Better prepare early.
Only forest burning sounds remained on site.
Actually, Hibiscus's urgent priority was receiving system rewards—after all, rewards after such struggle were important.
[Detected Completion ff Suggestion "Defeat Forr Catastrophic Disaster Beast Crimson Tsunami's Puppet" Reward: 300 Free Attribute Points, dium Magic Advancent Stone ×1, Large Enhancent Potion ×1]
This was expected—basically single-handedly withstanding this trump card from South African Theater, even using three potions. Otherwise the victory scales would have been overturned.
They were all useful. Large Enhancent Potion "BOSS battle essential" had always been scarce—getting one counted as one.
dium Magic Advancent Stone went without saying—the path to the next stage.
Adding points.
All 300 points distributed evenly.
In an instant, Magical Girl Hyacinth erupted with new pressure—thick and weighty, reaching perfection, like a gust carrying away forest ash. The sudden movent left companions dumbfounded—never expecting Hibiscus to directly purge toxicity and advance further in one step. Clearly already powerful, she'd beco more proficient at Blooming Stage—probably called veteran level.
Basic attribute increases most directly manifested in Origin strength, so it responded to natural magic power—even the burning wasteland gradually quieted.
Magical Girls' power probably had certain environntal restoration effects—a contradictory combination of destruction and rebirth. Thinking this, Hibiscus's thoughts beca clear. Many things made sense now—no wonder powerful Origin often complented reality.
However, she had doubts about this system reward:
[Completed Suggestion "Escort Fairies Away From Congo Forest Battlefield" Reward: World Tree Blessed One, dium Regalia Advancent Stone ×1]
Logically, the fairies hadn't left yet... could they be slightly shifting the critical point?
Suddenly distant energy actively connected with Magical Girl Hyacinth's Origin. Both sides echoed each other like sending signals, also alerting other Magical Girls. This was World Tree's dissipating power seeking Hibiscus, even actively helping the Blessed One repair injuries.
Crack crack!
Several kiloters away, the horizon continuously peeled and shattered, revealing the sa scenery as the Salvation Church shelter passage recently—undoubtedly fairies about to complete critical state.
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