Using advertising methods to help magical girls learn magic power control was Hibiscus's innovation. Later, she and netizens jointly discussed improvement plans: dual companies. If someone investigated advertising merchants tracing back to sources, they'd discover two types of targets:
First, shell companies with certain flaws managed by Nan Zhiyi, basically serving as fishing grounds. So far, only Miller's forces had made contact.
Second, companies protected by Knowledge Poison, Fortune and Misfortune magic, magic power markings, etc.
Currently, Holy Relics had relatively weak magic power perception, so only magical girls could notice. During this period, dozens of newcomers continuously joined following clues, both sides hitting it off perfectly. The seemingly troublesome method served not only as cover but also screening—in a sense, "the Church doesn't need people too stupid to see through the cover," plus it tested joining willingness.
Certainly many people didn't join—whether cautious, independent, or forming their own groups—everyone parting amicably.
At least the Church published origin training methods to help compatriots as much as possible.
But one thing remained.
Developing thoughts to investigate advertising shell companies already possessed a hidden threshold: perceiving magic power connections. This was interesting—deliberately left flaws encountered by an outsider inquiring.
Hibiscus said: "So Miller might have received magical girl guidance, unfortunately their connection wasn't tight enough or information transmission was wrong, resulting in alerting the enemy."
"My fortune protection also helped." Hearing this, Jin Ruochu put her hands on her hips with a proud smile.
Nan Zhiyi's viewpoint became clearer: "Hibiscus, we must handle this matter."
"Give me reasons?"
"We discussed before—can't operate the Church with small-scale thinking anymore, should act as a government. The Church has rights to protect all magical girls and make declarations accordingly. If we don't show enough initiative in similar events, rights will go to others."
The pink-haired girl frowned: "Aren't you afraid of being led by the nose?"
Jin Yulu rarely interjected: "Who leads whom depends on strength. Still that saying—let me make contact. With my abilities, I'm not easily caught off guard. Plus I'm a soldier, Miller also served—we share common ground."
She looked directly into the silver-haired girl's eyes. They'd previously discussed post-catastrophic matters on the beach—actually Jin Yulu hoped to achieve merit again.
Three people silently awaited Hibiscus's final decision, gazes showing dependence and competition. Though Boss Mu usually didn't micromanage, she had final say on important decisions.
"Of course we'll make contact."
"But not now. Timing is crucial—making others feel you're sending charcoal in snow versus coming when called are two different experiences. Keep investigating without rushing. Report intelligence to Captain Jin for caution. Prepare well—I'll inquire a bit, might send you out anytime... Time to adjourn."
Hibiscus's decisive judgment set the tone.
The Salvation Church would intervene, but timing required separate consideration—or rather, needed time for prophecy.
Seeing this, Nan Zhiyi, Jin Ruochu, and Jin Yulu all reminded her to be careful not to get infected with severe Knowledge Poison like last time, then left. After all, vacation didn't mean idleness—busy management always had endless work.
Click!
The closing door made the Chairman's office an enclosed space. Plus Hibiscus's spread mental perception could detect any disturbance, ensuring safety.
Her confidence in this matter's worth came from the system's long-awaited notification after the catastrophic battle:
[Obtained suggestion "Investigate Senator Miller" Reward: Lottery Attempts ×5]
Judging by the reward amount, difficulty was moderate, but might be a long-term task like Hermit Island—anyway, Hibiscus wouldn't miss opportunities.
Intuition told her something was fishy with many complications, but insufficient reason for avoidance. Only chaos created opportunities—otherwise stable orders didn't welcome outsider intervention. Actually she and Nan Zhiyi thought alike—at least intervening to observe was good, learning by analogy. Like this time they discovered shell company testing quite effective—perhaps future improvements possible.
Hibiscus opened the system page and updated status.
Asking netizens was harmless—whether they had information from their perspective was intelligence enough.
If yes, proved Senator Miller was a figure with considerable related information worth exploring. If no, lacking main plot influence would downgrade importance.
"Please take a look—this gentleman is hyping topics about jointly establishing management institutions with the Church, also investigating us. There seems to be a magical girl influence behind him. Should we respond?"
Hibiscus uploaded several speech photos for reference. Superficially appeared like elite figures—just unknown about internals.
【Holy shit】
【New plot triggered】
【Many specific details about Senator Miller can't be viewed from magical perspectives because he's also under some information judgment protection—you understand what I mean?】
Hibiscus immediately recalled mentions of Magical Girl Chrysanthemum's ability to add secrecy protection to herself. Sharing causal magic with Manjusaka, perhaps operational logic had similarities—just as fortune protected the pink-haired protagonist's friends and family, so the former by analogy?
As a veteran politician, Miller mainly appeared publicly with his wife while keeping children secret, even anonymously to avoid involvement—indeed fitting conditions.
But investigation remained complex since magical girls naturally carried "unable to connect with true appearance" Knowledge Poison.
Effective on the same types, so difficulty remained considerable.
【History changed. In originals, Senator Miller played major roles promoting Management Bureau establishment, motivated by helping his daughter while expanding power. But this time, according to Hyacinth's shared context, helping daughter remained unchanged while the rest was self-preservation. He definitely understood mercenary work styles better than fans, knowing breaking political tacit agreements about not dispatching personnel to manage private military groups would inevitably bring retaliation】
【Convertible car arranged】
【Also don't go to theaters recently, or you'll become entertainment yourself】
【Useless. From originals, Miller assassination attempts should involve fusion warrior handiwork—in magic power revival eras they're stronger than before. Don't need Holy Relics dirtying hands to handle it】
【Don't go off-topic. Earlier Hyacinth asked "should we respond," so we should consider whether to help Miller, and if so, specifically how】
【Think carefully about Chrysanthemum's feelings learning of parents' deaths in foreign lands. Actually she harbors hatred, just deep enough to never expose it—perhaps revenge psychology against humans allowed early Church development】
【Connected the dots, eh?】
【@Hyacinth, so do we save people or not?】
Hibiscus immediately replied of course they'd help. Halfway through netizens' discussions, she'd decided.
Since it is related to originals' Management Bureau founder and first director magical girl, duty-bound. One more friend was good—both sides shared consistent positions, completely could serve as allies, trusting each other.
Step back—Miller, who favored magical girls, was worth preserving. With him, they'd have more influence, though Hibiscus needed to consider specifics.
【Good decision. I want to see happily family Chrysanthemum】
【Lurking followers are anxious—can't you reveal more about that causal magic girl's intelligence?】
【Information protection should have weakened somewhat now, so another reminder: beware Okinawa Island military base. Military there has always preserved and extracted more virulent infectious diseases, constantly traveling to Edo bases with mercenaries often handling transport. But this inevitably causes leaks harming regions, especially after catastrophic battles. Local Chrysanthemum is trying to destroy this interest network】
【Like background setting】
【Actually could alert unknowing Pasha. New worldline Hyacinth has good relations with the nun miss—if understanding virulent infectious disease matters, her personality wouldn't ignore it. Might serve as allies】
【She probably didn't expect just doing transport commissions would take big blame】
【By timeline, Pasha should respond to headquarters summons stationed in Europe, inconvenient to return. Plus her movement might make confrontations more tense, even causing conflicts】
【Makes sense. Due to mercenary-military contradiction situations, Holy Relics guard home bases. Without nun miss's constraints, subordinates mistakenly leaked infectious pathogens, catching Chrysanthemum's attention to act】
【Boss Mu's screwed—how suddenly another battlefield appeared? Can't handle it】
The silver-haired girl watching constantly refreshing explosive news indeed had headaches—didn't expect so many things jumping out, fortunately not concentrated outbreaks.
Still had chances.
After organizing mental thoughts, Hibiscus regained calm, continuously asking netizens about specific times and event sequences:
Priority definitely on protecting Miller since he simultaneously related to North American confrontation stability. If suddenly dying would cause further conflicts—the Church hoping to profit and expand locally couldn't allow this.
Secondary in Edo regions since originals' leak events were successfully prevented by Chrysanthemum, plus Hermit Island could provide reinforcement—temporarily no worry.
Besides, the earliest outbreaks needed a week.
Hibiscus's thoughts drifted elsewhere: making some trouble wasn't bad.
Knowing Chrysanthemum would act against military bases—could this be viewed as magical girl-military direct confrontation? Another sparring match after Los Angeles battles with considerable significance. As civilians, she knew what special forces, Holy Relics existed there—tough opponents. If they suffered badly, enough to establish authority, especially under current situations further weakening official hardliner forces. Then scandals plus military failures would tip scales.
Time to place bets.
Hibiscus gradually began analyzing event contexts and subsequent developments from overall perspectives—much more useful than just giving conclusions.
She knew logical relationships, could adjust anytime, grasping current chess games while understanding past and future. Why not let magical girl groups establish authority again? Repeated cooperation made some guys restless—really thinking the Salvation Church could be summoned and dismissed at will?
When one type of help was taken for granted, immediately stop.
Hibiscus stated her judgment: "I think we should wait longer, let things ferment more. The Church shouldn't rush to appear in conflicts."
【Correct】
【Let bullets fly awhile】
【Anyway there's time, plus I think magical girls operating well in this civil war could gain much】
【Salvation Church occupies key positions worth both sides competing for. Now officials tentatively extend olive branches but many remain self-righteous. Teach them lessons before cooperating—they'll be willing to compromise. Same with mercenaries. Hitting both sides while maintaining opportunism tests dancing-on-eggs abilities】
【Don't worry—once Chrysanthemum acts, everything improves】
【Isn't this suggesting fence-sitting? The more you waver between sides, the easier offending both, then unable to escape when settling accounts】
【You're right—taking sides can't waver, but specific problems need specific analysis. Now Salvation Church's power isn't choosing one side to fight but forming substantial independent factions】
【Understand relative power comparisons? Current situation: Boss Mu isn't as strong as any single side, but every action influences overall situations. Precisely because of this should eat from both ends—whoever gives more benefits, I help them win. That simple】
【Understand critical minorities?】
【I always believe Boss Mu's charm—she'll definitely navigate skillfully and handle all sides】
【Too troublesome—just beat both sides up ahhh】
【@Hyacinth, trust your judgment. After all, you're frontline while our biggest role is just providing intelligence. Specific actions depend on Salvation Church】
Hibiscus followed good advice. Actually she always listened to opinions, but more importantly had abilities not to be drowned by numerous voices while choosing correct paths. Currently magical girls needed maintaining deterrence without favoring any side.
With this thought, the girl called Minase Kaori reminding her to watch situations—magical events might occur.
"...My notification isn't to create tension for you—just try coordinating with Anri for mutual vigilance."
"Understood."
"Don't be too formal. Conversely, I should thank you for helping care for magical girls there. If they have troubles, handle them first. If not possible, immediately report to us." Then Hibiscus added meaningfully: "Additionally, your real task is eating well, drinking well, enjoying vacation, throwing worries behind. We're here."
"Mm, rest assured then. First, wish Senior Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year."
After pleasant exchanges, they hung up. Regarding management, Hibiscus trusted Magical Girl Lycoris's abilities. Previously staying calm in crises, now she could handle situations independently, plus maintaining contact with Anri Sakagami and fellow companions—could support each other anytime.
Even during vacation, the Salvation Church didn't relax vigilance with responsible people everywhere—like the Edo region entrusted to Minase Kaori, Triple Awakening strength sufficient.
European regions entrusted to Yeta, Stephanie, etc.—no problems. Her side needless to mention, others in North America.
Hibiscus finally decided dispatching Jin Yulu to try—anyway she originally handled North American magical girls' vacation safety. But before this, must understand more about Miller assassination intelligence.
So-called knowing yourself and enemies ensures victory.
Without clarifying matters' fortune or misfortune, Hibiscus wouldn't let Jin Yulu contact Senator Miller. Even if you favored the Church, couldn't guarantee not being watched by political enemies. If opponents followed vines to target the Church, how to handle? As leader, she was responsible for most people's safety.
Intervening in current storm centers had much potential benefit but needed life to spend. This tested Jin Yulu's frontline command while requiring sufficient intelligence work.
Hibiscus directly asked: "Any more information about Miller assassination cases?"
As soon as she finished, comment sections showed relationship diagrams.
Title "Senator Assassination Cases" encompassed various clues—obviously made by some netizens. Originals basically glossed over this but derivative games had decryption segments. Though never reaching conclusions, organizing character relationships was clear at glance.
Large mercenary companies wouldn't directly assassinate since their relationships were intricate with numerous leverage points—didn't need physical elimination methods.
Whoever broke defense acted.
Consider: officials using "poor management or facing major changes" to insert personnel managing private military contractors—who was really affected? Small-medium mercenary companies feared this. In power, they couldn't match giants; in subordinates, might not equal bodyguards. Instead easily targeted then losing company control. Blocking people's money was like killing parents—endless grudges.
So Miller's real touched interests were precisely relatively weak mercenary groups, but he indeed died because of this.
King of Hell was approachable; little demons were hard to guard against.
Of course, didn't rule out Mercenary Alliance high-level inducement or tolerance.
Behind-scenes mastermind hats weren't easily pinned since alliance leadership actually cooled situations, unwilling to tear faces for fights, yet hoped some stupid subordinates would provoke situations.
Hearts were separated by bellies—positions were complex. Previous moments they supported peace while next moments turned blind eyes to assassinations.
Before she could inquire further, netizens proactively explained:
【Basically confirmed some small-medium mercenary company dispatched killers, but real culprits were just background settings without even names—more like sacrificial pieces under great game backgrounds. Plus can't rule out possibilities of stronger assassins stepping up if small companies failed】
【Unclear existing killers—doesn't that become certain death worldlines? Poor Papa Chrysanthemum】
【Miller: Fuck!】
【Really regrettable—he can't attend my and Chrysanthemum's wedding】
【Laughing—you're probably dreaming】
【Won't be that serious. Just helping works—even if people die, consider it brushing favor with future Management Bureau leaders. At least we tried, right?】
【Regardless of assassination cases, ultimately Holy Relic civil wars will occur. Both sides' fully powered war machines won't stop—already arrows on strings must be released. They must understand grudges through warfare】
【I only followed this theme post, don't understand the originals. Ask why they have deep hatred when cooperation seems fine】
Comment sections had people uploading manga segments or videos catching Hibiscus's attention—backgrounds looked like decades ago.
As Planet Gaia locals, naturally knew so-called First Holy Relic Civil War:
Scenes showed devastation everywhere—barren lands. Above ruins, Pasha, Philomena, and other unfamiliar faces moved rubble excavating corpses. This land rained black with raging fires—definitely not places ordinary humans could survive. Among them some regretted, some cried, more were numb. Both sides lost many comrades with hatred flickering in each other's eyes.
Civil war occurred because officials attempted forcibly confiscating all relics, even disregarding merged qualified users for separation. Both sides unable to compromise could only speak with fists.
From brief manga panels, could see Pasha indeed came from that history, similarly bearing heavy burdens. Isolation wasn't her personality but too many companions already lost—finally devoting everything to research.
But historical elders living had meaning.
Holy Relics from years conveyed military violence once imposed on themselves—many later generations remained vigilant even without speaking.
Their respective cognitive impressions continuously deepened, distorted, became obsessive, then would dominate next historical segments: now. Discussing rights and wrongs was meaningless—key was mutual vigilance and interest entanglements creating too many gaps, hard to avoid conflicts.
Hibiscus actually empathized since mercenary groups previously held full hostility toward magical girls.
【Really brutal】
【If before mostly due to emotional reasons like hatred, now everyone's rational but added interest conflict reasons—fighting would be more severe】
【Unfortunately official forces have almost no Holy Relics surviving from last civil war to now—too many newbies, insufficient prestige】
【Back to topic—anyway we watch both sides conflict at macro levels while protecting key figures at micro levels, like Miller such well-connected, skilled veteran senators. With him around, at least more convenient. Church secretly smoothing relationships and accumulating resources works—bigger waves, more expensive fish. I dare say many people eagerly await Church stepping forward for them to depend on】
【Me—already Hyacinth's dog】
【Boss Mu is beautiful, kind-hearted, and strong—definitely first choice for dependence】
【Time Priestess: Am I a kind person?】
【I say these things don't matter—just Church being strong enough works. Current priority: quickly purchasing Disaster Beast materials cheapened by oversupply, heavily replenishing. If feeding Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror full, then everything's great】
...Remaining intelligence had nothing Hibiscus noted. Since deciding to intervene, she still didn't plan immediately dispatching personnel.
Wait a few days first.
During this period, Church Leadership stayed busy. After Hibiscus's reminders, they maintained attention on every magical girl while providing basic training for newcomers joining through advertising clues. After all, as year-end magic power enrichment increased, more awakeners appeared—at this trend, they might need active searches.
Meanwhile, after waiting periods, finally appeared needed news:
Quincy's war crimes trials began but couldn't advance—sure enough triggering media debates, glimpsing increasingly intense mercenary-military contradictions.
After Arctic battles, Hibiscus reminded Josh to deliver proof of magical girl friendliness—here was proof, or rather trials becoming focal points for both sides' confrontations.
Magical Girl Hyacinth personally not only prophesied but constrained fate burning toward powder kegs.