At this moment, Katrin commanding Winter Company headquarters felt her heart about to jump out of her throat.
Damn it, when have I ever encountered this!
Though a relic qualified user, she mostly handled clerical internal affairs, basically responsible for rear operations. At most when Pasha was away, she'd strike at Disaster Beasts in the jurisdiction. She was almost completely in the dark about infected entity outbreaks plus military conspiracies.
However, she didn't dare relax at all, still methodically ordering: "Since the Church has intervened in the war, withdraw from two streets according to their divisions."
"Construct outer defense lines centered on the dome venue. If Magical Girls have oversights, we'll clean them up. Also, check all shelter operations—don't drag us down—"
"Continue requesting reinforcements. No amount of forces is enough. The military made this mess, so clean it up properly."
Katrin forcibly suppressed her anger while monitoring battlefield conditions. Fortunately, mercenaries remaining in the jurisdiction were fairly elite and could cooperate in execution.
Hmm!
Sudden magical power fluctuations made her frown. Looking from the command room window toward the biological laboratory direction, it was clearly covered by a domain. No mistake—obviously that Magical Girl Dandelion had acted. According to intelligence, she possessed the highest quality domain-series magic to date, combining field control, killing power, mobility and other functions with an outstanding battle record—among Church members' elite.
According to memories of those who had been trapped in the domain, inside was a boundless starry sky where celestial bodies possessed corresponding attributes, even capable of freezing, roasting, and gravitational tearing of targets.
Since that was the case, infectious disease carriers were definitely doomed.
Katrin decisively ordered: "Prepare disinfectants. As soon as the Church side finishes, we'll inspect once more. Must maintain strict vigilance."
"Roger."
As expected, moments later the domain magic lifted, revealing ruins. Those menacing infected entities and Disaster Beasts were nowhere to be found—within sight only remained charcoal, with many broken walls melted into liquid. The air was filled with burnt smells that made people cough endlessly.
Such terrifying power from one strike. The affected area had no trace of life—total annihilation.
Powerful magic's output capability far exceeded peers. Once delivering killing blows, consequences were unimaginable. Fortunately, in previous encounters, Dandelion had tolerantly not gone to extremes.
Other battlefields were also advancing. Besides familiar Church faces, new Magical Girls like Chrysanthemum and Orchid appeared. Though their intelligence was incomplete, their strength performance was powerful, showing the Church still had hidden combat power.
Currently the ceiling was Hyacinth without question, but that didn't mean the first-tier only had so few people—Magical Girls were numerous in experts.
Young people just grew fast.
Katrin felt unable to keep up with the times—not just the supernatural field but constantly emerging information technology. Without deploying new communication technology, this time would probably be even more chaotic. She quickly organized her thoughts to focus on command tasks, but before one wave settled, another arose.
"Report, detected medium-scale Disaster Beast groups assembling in territorial waters. We probably can't intercept them all."
"Don't be ambiguous. How many can't be stopped?"
"Over a hundred."
"Just vanguard scale then. Hurry and prepare concentrated artillery strikes. Must stop enemies in the sea—if they interfere, we'll lose everything."
"Commander, our personnel and supplies are currently withdrawing into the city interior."
The annoying part was not anticipating another group of reckless beasts during troop deployment, disrupting Katrin's tactical arrangements. Originally everything should be left to the military, but they had many airfields destroyed in the Okinawa Island leak incident, unable to maintain high-frequency, high-intensity air force fire suppression. Just a moment's gap caused problems.
Bad things all piled up together, making Katrin physically and mentally exhausted. Yet she couldn't easily order forces back to defense, since infectious diseases remained unknown.
"Roar!"
Angry roaring accompanied magical power surging from sea to land—clearly vanguard Disaster Beasts were about to land.
Katrin had already ordered coastal defense fire for interception but to no avail. Having suffered an infected entity and experimental Disaster Beast rampage, then further weakened during subsequent retreat, they were overwhelmed facing new enemies. Now she could imagine how terrible the situation would be—Winter Company would probably be hard to escape blame, though she'd naturally drag down the garrison too...
Just as Katrin struggled, she saw a black stream of light cross the sky, trailing string-like wake lines. Hyacinth, who had been staying at the dome venue, suddenly moved.
"But at this point, it probably can't be stopped, right?"
Just as she despaired, silver semi-transparent threads connecting heaven and earth appeared like glass mirror edges refracting myriad images, then swept the charging vanguard Disaster Beasts with unstoppable momentum. In an instant they cut through metal and jade, severing flesh—those powerful figures immediately collapsed.
Crack—
The cutting hadn't ended. Dense threads wove into nets falling from the sky, covering a thousand-meter radius—single-handedly encompassing the entire coastal defense line.
Without needing to control relics, Hibiscus naturally fought freely, with precise time slashes easily harvesting targets.
Facing ordinary types unable to use Origin body protection for offset, it was like cutting vegetables. In the blink of an eye, blood and flesh flew with only fragments remaining—no worthy opponents.
Actually, Hibiscus wasn't satisfied with Sands of Time's current attack methods—relatively monotonous and blockable, not that useful in high-end situations. But definitely convenient enough. As netizens said, "powerful magic often has comfortable execution thresholds," making it hard to be dragged into low-end combat rhythms.
Disaster Beasts below standard would exit after one time slash.
Thanks to Hibiscus's exquisite control, magic could name and execute targets individually. Other abilities would easily cause friendly fire. At this moment, the silver-haired girl held high in the air, overlooking enemy formations with easy suppression—the entire coastline had become a slaughterhouse.
Disaster Beasts became afraid. Facing incomparable pressure, they sprouted retreat intentions and backed away. However, they only had time for wails and screams before becoming chunks of corpses.
Time-series strongest magic had too high killing efficiency with no retreat gaps. Within a few breaths, Disaster Beasts were completely annihilated.
Even Magical Girls were amazed. They hadn't seen Hibiscus act recently—turns out her magical output capability had improved further, repeatedly displaying ever-greater power as if limitless. People in emergency evacuation breathed sighs of relief, directly lamenting they'd saved their lives. From beginning to end, the Salvation Church held the situation—otherwise consequences would be unimaginable. Both military and mercenaries were grateful.
Being alive was wonderful.
Unfortunately, they had no intention of responding to cheers and praise. Under countless reporter cameras, everyone was wrapped in domains and disappeared.
"This war is over." In the command room, Katrin wiped sweat from her forehead.
"The urgent task is cleaning the battlefield, then contact headquarters and report to Miss Pasha. Must make those ignorant military opposition pay."
...
California Senator's Office.
Sitting side by side on the sofa watching TV, Jin Yulu and Julia stared intently at the heated Edo screen. The entire process was tight without any filler. Even after the Salvation Church figures disappeared, the excitement continued—after all, some infected entities and Disaster Beasts still needed thorough clearing.
Predictably, Magical Girls became the big winners cleaning up the situation, not forgetting to warn the joint military and completely establish supernatural field dominance.
As for mercenary performance—commendable, at least Winter Company held under pressure without collapsing.
The remaining territorial garrison could be called pig teammates—leaking from your side then further expanding disasters, nearly dragging a super-large city down with them. They should all be sent to military tribunals for serious handling.
"Front-Line News: attackers have now been eliminated. Winter Company spokesperson Katrin promises to stabilize the situation"
"All personnel involved in this incident have been detained and remain under investigation"
"What exactly was the independent laboratory responsible for the Edo region involved in? How dangerous is the legendary virus relic? Where is it? This station continues tracking the news"
Compared to noisy verbal battles, Jin Yulu was more interested in the combat itself, especially new faces appearing in recent footage—very interesting. New Magical Girls and at least Triple Awakening. Whether they joined the Church or not meant overall strength improvement. Unlike Nan Zhiyi, she didn't care if Magical Girls had to be in the same organization—as long as everyone was strong enough.
"...Too bad I wasn't there. They had fun fighting without saying a word—my muscles are getting rusty from lack of exercise."
The girl shrugged and sighed.
Julia replied: "The guard mission should be almost over. I heard many mercenary companies received warnings in budget meetings. Assassinations should stop, and we've switched to more reliable bodyguard teams."
"Don't misunderstand—I'm quite satisfied with my current work. You two are excellent employers."
From the second day of her mission, Jin Yulu had secured a super high-paying job of $5,000 daily. The other party's enthusiasm was hard to decline, so she had to accept it as side income.
"Speaking of which, from a Magical Girl perspective, what do you think of Elsa?" Julia asked with concern.
"Causal magic possessors can't persist without strong hearts, so she must be determined and very smart."
"I don't really understand these things. After all, living so far from my daughter, somehow Elsa started handling her own affairs. We parents are very supportive but always feel increasingly distant, missing witnessing the child's growth..."
"Your family is already fortunate."
"Really?"
Jin Yulu suddenly took out her vibrating phone, glanced at the message page, then smiled: "Headquarters messaged me—everything went smoothly, especially Miss Elsa has resolved loss-of-control risks. Actually, our team has a causal magic user who should have common topics. Of course, thanks for her contribution too. Your daughter is very brave—she's been planning to expose biological weapons publicly and stop them, plus secretly contacting and funding some compatriots. In short, Elsa's wisdom and insight will help greatly."
"I rarely hear the boss give such high praise for someone—I mean Hyacinth. She can see through people and even foresee their fates. Trust itself counts as fortune."
So far, everyone Hibiscus valued proved excellent—worthy of being called a talent scout with heaven-sent insight. Julia beside her smiled joyfully, finally putting down her anxious heart.
Daughter's safety meant everything was fine.
She didn't care about other Magical Girls—that belonged to the child's own issues. Her daughter could handle it.
Moreover, expert field Salvation Church had taken charge. According to Julia's judgment, though few in number, their professional knowledge was sufficient—better than mercenary-affiliated laboratories that conducted human research. Organizations with high-level people like Miss Imperial Flower definitely wouldn't disappoint.
On the other side, Miller was talking on the phone with high spirits, his voice rising: "Definitely severely punish those mercenary companies that hired assassins."
"Right, restriction bills must be put on agenda, including Magical Girl rights..."
"Speed up the drug regulation approval I mentioned before. The reason is to prevent Edo's infectious diseases from recurring. Open your eyes and look carefully, okay?"
"Everything's going smoothly on my end. Continue as usual."
Miller appeared triumphant—understandable, since confirming his daughter was safe plus his recent influence growth counted as double happiness. Thanks to his consistently firm stance, more people came seeking allegiance. Promises made to the Church were proceeding smoothly—set in stone.
Shortly after, he hung up and exhaled deeply, drinking coffee to calm down before seeing his wife's inquiring gaze.
"Ladies, mission accomplished. Those assassination companies will be investigated, and the Church's desired drug approvals will be settled tomorrow. Our cooperation phase is complete—mutual benefit, everyone happy."
"Also, Elsa's side is doing well too." Speaking of this, Julia couldn't help but loudly promote, though this pride could only be buried deep for now.
"Thank you for your generosity." Jin Yulu smiled and nodded—this cooperation was pleasant.
"Let's have a toast."
Miller took an exquisite French wine from the wine cabinet, pouring glasses for three people. Even if the governor visited, he might not be willing to bring out such fine wine. Mainly because today was truly joyful, so he enthusiastically clinked glasses with crisp sounds, then they drank it all. Consider it a completed transaction, most importantly cultivating trust between both sides, creating possibilities for future long-term cooperation.
After three rounds of wine, Miller continued: "Next, Julia and I will make a trip to Washington D.C. Should be quite busy. As for matters your organization cares about, they'll be implemented."
"I trust the Senator's capabilities. Also, by the way, your daughter has decided to join the Church."
"I know. Actually, you don't need to explain to me. She's already an adult anyway. I won't interfere with an adult's decisions. Whether Elsa decides to become a star or member of a mysterious society, I believe the daughter I raised can take responsibility for her own life."
"Getting cocky about what? You basically never taught the child."
Hearing this, Julia rolled her eyes, making her husband laugh heartily with a drunken expression.
"Your education is really open-minded."
"Don't listen to Miller's nonsense. Simply because we didn't have time and failed our parental responsibilities. But help me pass along the message to visit home often. Oh, want me to give you a ride?"
"No need. See you later." Saying this, Jin Yulu smiled and waved. As she put down the glass goblet, her figure disappeared without trace.
The couple looked at each other—Church people really did things efficiently.
...
Europe, Mercenary Alliance Headquarters.
In the top-floor conference room, everyone looked at Quincy's representative secretary waiting for his statement. After a moment, this person regretfully said:
"The trial proceeded under the faction led by Senator Miller. Currently sentenced to 50 years imprisonment. Though considerable plea bargaining space exists, charges of kidnapping, assassination, and property destruction are hard to clear. Future service as Holy Relic combat power with merit for crimes is possible, but currently must be shelved."
After explaining the situation, the secretary actively retreated from everyone's visual focus—after all, the gazes of numerous magical pressure possessors were too stressful for ordinary people to bear.
Since Holy Relics learned magical power release, they had difficulty restraining themselves, appearing inhuman.
Chairman Bohr at the head surveyed the circle and said quietly:
"Things being so, since the Los Angeles battle was Quincy's own commotion, having him pay for this lesson is understandable. Give Josh some face and the Salvation Church an explanation. This matter is closed—I won't allow anyone to seek revenge."
He glanced at Gallup across from him, seeing the latter purse his lips but finally nod. After all, this guy wasn't that kind of street punk.
"Moreover—"
"What needs attention is the military creating this incident. Though I specifically asked General Croft and he apologized, the Mercenary Alliance can't completely trust official restraint—otherwise Winter Company serves as precedent."
Hearing this, Pasha nodded approvingly. Even wearing a veil, she gave a satisfied feeling—after all, the world-famous victim needed justice.
This additional agenda after the budget meeting was initiated by her. Everyone trusted the old veteran's judgment. Don't look at how many high-ranking powerful people were present—in terms of prestige, qualifications, and strength, Sister Nun ranked among the top, even called one of the Mercenary Alliance's soul figures. Moreover, Pasha had little political interest, so leadership was happy to further support her symbolic role. This time was no exception.
"However, what's most urgent now is cleaning up infectious magical power in the Edo region. The better we do, the more it humiliates the military."
Pasha cared deeply about her jurisdiction and hoped for colleagues' help.
Everyone readily agreed.
Indeed so—everyone would seize opportunities to clean up the situation and severely mock those inexplicably hardline military forces. Blame yourselves for showing weakness and embarrassing yourselves.
Current status: mercenary companies previously mired in assassination scandals were outdone by even worse operations from the other side. The world was absurd enough—anyway, the public opinion crisis was temporarily resolved. From another angle, it was even. Birds of a feather flock together—no one should laugh at anyone, lest the boomerang return.
"Don't be careless. We must note the Church's power has expanded again, or rather they've been hiding deeply." Someone reminded.
A secretary submitted materials and projected slides. The conference room screen showed this incident's footage:
From the Okinawa Island military base leaks, Magical Girls showed their hands slightly, but there seemed to be two forces competing with each other. Of course, no life-or-death struggle was discovered, instead providing opportunities for leveraging strength.
What truly concerned people was Hyacinth's confirmed astonishing qualification and control over different relics after the Arctic battle.
Heaven-sent talent!
General Walpole, the only one capable of controlling top-tier relics, once evaluated "exceptionally gifted"—apparently well-deserved. Did this mean those powerful relics could all be manipulated? Moreover, don't forget mechanisms existed among Magical Girls to offset Knowledge Poison. Combined cooperation resulted in even Catastrophic Disaster Beasts retreating shamefully.
They had to consider Hyacinth attempting to contact those masterless relics without qualified users, but thinking again, the official controlled more—those guys should worry most.
The footage then showed Edo battles—nothing remarkable, since news had broadcast repeatedly.
Worth noting: according to investigation, brief Magical Girl skirmishes seemed to have erupted earlier that day.
The secretary explained: "Two hours ago, Miss Katrin compiled information proving supernatural combat occurred in buildings adjacent to the dome venue. Surrounding people experienced memory blurring, yet fortunate witnesses still saw bright yellow Regalia girls called Chrysanthemum. This might be Knowledge Poison information infusion phenomena—basically confirmed as Magical Girls. In other words, a small group likely had friction with the Church, though they eventually reconciled."
"Importantly, battle traces extended from the dome venue rooftop to VIP activity rooms to adjacent buildings. Personnel investigation could narrow to very limited scope..."
"Continue investigating?"
The secretary placed the severe problem before them. What if something was discovered?
Magical Girls valued information protection extremely highly, even willing to fight for it. Look at Eagle Company's current state.
Whether Mercenary Alliance or Countermeasure Military definitely both held certain intelligence. The key was whether to damage mutual friendship over this. The matter was significant and required careful handling.
Philomena tapped the table to attract attention, then said: "Don't overthink. Media is already spreading wildly. Could Magical Girls centering on the dome venue for this battle be related to the Clover Group? This might be official-authorized probing—those guys are quite clever."
Bohr made the final decision: "The Church isn't an enemy. We share common interests in seeking power. Miss Pasha, advance your foundation plan further."
Hearing this, the secretary continued displaying new evidence.
Senator Miller had quite a moment recently—as a rising political figure even considered a potential party whip, much information began being published, making people involuntarily consider one thing: where was his source for contacting the Salvation Church?
Why would you think Magical Girls would help you? By calling out across the void? Why could the Church dispatch someone suspected to be Imperial Flower-level superstars?
Slight investigation revealed Miller was Elsa's father—felt very coincidental.
The secretary said quietly: "Moreover, so far our investigation hasn't encountered various unlucky phenomena... document loss, water damage, etc. This is also very strange."
Intelligence circles defined many cases targeting the Church as black boxes, because many key information always encountered logical chain interruptions, lost clues, and other problems, ultimately going nowhere. This eerie feeling discouraged many detective experts who cleverly judged it best to withdraw early and simply avoid contact.
But currently everything was abnormally smooth.
Pasha suddenly mentioned something: "Almost forgot to tell you—actually there's another breakthrough. My subordinate has contacted Minase Kaori. The other party's performance is fairly positive. There should be discussions in the future."
Bohr pondered for a moment, then laughed loudly, making conference room attendees take notice. Rarely had they seen the Chairman so happy—usually he only got excited at theaters.
The suited man adjusted his tie and surveyed the circle, saying quietly: "World-shocking news is about to happen. Pasha, prepare yourself. Opportunity doesn't come twice."