"Right. Management Bureau signals those Magical Girls who've already joined or been forced to join other organizations."
Hibiscus answered Elsa's question.
Admittedly, the Church was obviously developing toward governance, but currently essentially remained an institution, an enterprise. You couldn't expect all industry employees to come to one company, right? Even the original work actually had various Magical Girl Organizations taking turns on stage—unifying mountains and rivers wasn't easy.
One institution's appeal was quite limited unless the Church issued "sovereignty claims" saying they wanted to establish a nation, only then having legal basis to unite all compatriots.
But that would be suicidal—definitely becoming everyone's target, absolutely brain-damaged.
So far, Hibiscus's management thinking remained within enterprise frameworks. Mutual poaching, job-hopping, even resignation were completely acceptable, while the Church should become the organization best at retaining people—the destination of all choices.
"I understand."
"Never be too forceful. Give choices rather than grab people. Magical Girls willing to join will find the Management Bureau themselves."
Elsa asked seriously: "Boss, are we making talent reserves for some future? Will you become Your Excellency, Your Lordship and such?"
The title change stirred Hibiscus's heart. In her homeland's context, only major figures like senators deserved being called Your Excellency—even originally everyone struggled whether to use Your Highness, Your Majesty when addressing Washington, finally choosing Your Excellency or General. People couldn't lack ambition. Elsa, willing to serve loyally, gazed at a grand prospect, protecting Magical Girls while surpassing her father politically.
So she could either establish independent factions during turbulent times or unhesitatingly bet everything on the Church when things clarified.
"Yes. Magic enrichment is inevitable. Even without our promotion, people will still die, survivors converting to magic talent holders, more Magical Girls emerging... The Church will be elevated to history-making heights, or eternally infamous."
"Both count as good news to me."
"That's not something philanthropist celebrities could say," Hibiscus smiled lightly.
Elsa said meaningfully: "Isn't there a saying? Let the world remember me for ten thousand years."
"Current stage, step by step is fine. Our era actually hasn't come yet—might as well leave it to Holy Relics."
World order transformations always needed forerunners before kings. Those firing first shots wouldn't necessarily harvest final victory fruits. Anyway, Magical Girls could afford waiting. Besides, descending fairies were also worth utilizing.
Persuasion to advance?
I advise you not to rush. The Church must make crucial moves at crucial moments.
Elsa understood the same logic, hearing this made her more convinced of the boss. The more they worked together, the more she experienced Magical Girl Hyacinth's stability, maturity, and strategy. History always chose someone to complete missions—nothing heroically narrative about it, but mission achievement upper limits depended on leaders themselves. In her view, Hibiscus was an enlightened ruler capable of pioneering order.
"Speaking of Holy Relics, I heard news that many military-affiliated people were actually poached by mercenary companies, with lots of armed friction in the process."
"Normal."
"Military hardliners are discussing activating a cursed item from the Relic Treasury. Very little information about it, but the mechanism should be similar to mine and Senior Manjusaka's—able to remotely kill many people through some special connection."
"Releasing news is also a form of deterrence."
Hibiscus had heard of this thing. Previously netizens mentioned it in passing using code names, and she didn't need to bear Knowledge Poison by asking.
Having Fortune and Misfortune, Love and Hate trump cards already, let them play with mere cursed relics. Besides, that thing could only launch attacks against non-magic-power strong individuals.
"That relic easily causes indiscriminate killing, spreading through mercenary company targets. So we might get implicated."
Elsa always maintained cooperation with Winter Company—definitely facing attacks. She'd naturally be fine, but what if something happened? Anyway, some military people were too extreme, completely disregarding rules—obviously both sides' conflicts reached new heights.
Truly crazy.
"Also, the judgment about deliberately releasing news isn't necessarily correct. There's word that Central America just unearthed a relic combining divination positioning and powerful strikes. Such secret weapons should be hidden, right? But somehow it leaked—like a sieve."
Elsa, once inclined toward official positions, felt frustrated by iron not becoming steel.
Hibiscus pursued: "This relic type wins through first-strike surprise victory, so intelligence is crucial. Could the responsible officer be betraying?"
"Impossible. General Dorothy has always firmly supported General Croft, and she's mainly responsible for fallen zone affairs, unfamiliar with excavation work. Should be grassroots infiltration. Thinking back, having a major figure parachute in to command should've suppressed local interest groups, but unfortunately she's not skilled at politics. Good results finally emerged but wind leaked again. Regardless, clearly the military had to use treasury deterrence."
"If it were before, I wouldn't care, but the infection battle was too dangerous. When necessary, the Church must intervene."
"I understand."
Elsa just needed to provide information for Hibiscus's attention—no need for more words. Excellent superiors would judge themselves; too much chatter might mess things up.
Next she reported on North Pole battle aftermath.
Coalition forces had good news here—driven weak Disaster Beasts heading south were thoroughly taught lessons by various bases, easily picking up scraps. However, they did reciprocate, such as giving Management Bureau operations full convenience.
Another matter: so-called "Island 24.5" related files declassified, with officials acknowledging Church sovereignty over Hermit Island.
This handling defined an important pre-epoch site as fallen zone island, so naturally recoverers could occupy it. This matter was settled.
Tacit understanding forever.
Hearing this, Hibiscus laughed it off. Though long past caring about so-called recognition, considering its changes was indeed interesting. Behind-the-scenes promoters released goodwill, increasingly favorable toward the Church.
She'd always developed organizations step-by-step yet was interpreted as timely assistance—whatever.
Besides this, Elsa brought another message: recent Antarctic expedition "accidents" reportedly involved Disaster Beast attacks with Magical Girl rescue.
Too many elements combined. Everyone knew so-called expeditions were Mercenary Alliance minions seeking relic treasuries, making noise attracting Disaster Beasts, then getting Magical Girl help. So you're also eyeing the treasury? The ice-cold continent was unexpectedly lively.
North and South Poles competing for liveliness.
Curious, Hibiscus asked: "Any word on that Magical Girl's characteristics?"
"The other party didn't display much ability, just some strange events." Narrator Elsa also looked puzzled. "This person stayed overnight on the ship. A patrolling person curiously looked and found the bed empty, instead a huge villa graffiti on the wall. Daytime returned to normal."
"I guess some illusion-concealing magic, possibly rumors with embellishment. After all, Magical Girls never lack various wonders—quite reasonable."
Elsa wasn't curious about Antarctic affairs. Episodes from expeditions weren't worth mentioning.
But hearing this, Hibiscus became interested: "Very interesting ability display. If it were me, I wouldn't need illusion effects that leave deep impressions on people. So the wall painting should be magical mechanism application, and this person doing this in strange environments must be highly skilled and bold."
"Rumors aren't credible. What patrolling person just looking? Clearly mercenary people had bad intentions, probably wanting to kidnap her while sleeping."
"So they might have had friction."
Elsa changed topics: "Antarctic liveliness precisely proves Mercenary Alliance actually fears Relic Treasury. Military deterrence works, but this institution leans independent—wouldn't casually activate dangerous relics. If it were me, I'd make big publicity while actually misdirecting, attacking treasury costs too much. Might as well create smokescreens covering other matters."
"Probably news soon. Have your Management Bureau pay attention too, test those mercenary companies—they probably hide some Magical Girls."
"Your Excellency, do I need to arrange some hatred curses to intensify their infighting?"
Sudden suggestions were cold yet fitting Church positions. As political creature, Director Chrysanthemum made a keen judgment.
Hibiscus was tempted.
Current stage suited using small force for great effect. If military and mercenaries tore apart and fought, definitely creating larger windows. But speaking of it, was the Church weak enough to need strategic buffer periods? No need to let things escalate over this.
Long-standing stability made her consider additional interests.
Now both sides faced off tensely, forced to tacitly accept Salvation Church remaining outside. But couldn't rule out contingency plans targeting themselves. Once Magical Girls immediately intervened, very likely triggering situations. Don't think causality magic left no traces—opponents should have reverse-tracking methods.
"We'll wade through muddy waters eventually, but not now. Before complete fighting breaks out, the Church takes no measures. Just do defensive work to avoid involvement."
Hibiscus resisted temptation. To forge iron, one must be strong. Whenever wanting to meddle in trouble, ask yourself: are you tough enough?
The Church was still too tender.
Elsa replied: "If so, I'll have the Management Bureau reduce activities. Magical Girls willing to join us should find us themselves—easier than the Church. Let's wait and see."
"Be careful yourself too. If staying outside, watch for those with ulterior motives."
"No, I plan to train more on Glacier Island, striving to break through to the Growth Stage earlier or at least better master magic."
"That's even better. Find me anytime if needed."
After thanking, Elsa hurriedly left, always appearing busy, running around for various matters without showing fatigue. The entire Church Leadership had this atmosphere—some might suspect Hibiscus had some miraculous morale-boosting ability.
She didn't plan to idle either. After all, the recent series of intelligence was very important. Though the Church wouldn't interfere, corresponding preparations were needed, otherwise suffering heavy losses just the same.
Hibiscus called Dandelion.
"Let's slightly withdraw funds, especially ensuring healthy cash flow or we'll collapse when facing risks. From current looks, chaos will continue for a while. Panic isn't good for economics."
"You're right. Major market indices are all falling, everyone's under pressure."
"...Then there shouldn't be anything worth noting. Anyway, temporarily unrelated to the Church. Maintain training."
"Speaking of which, didn't you forget something?" At this, Dandelion smiled teasingly: "We started school. Dormitory registration, attendance rosters, campus cards—all need updating, plus miscellaneous new semester activities... Yesterday even Manjusaka returned to her mediocre university to submit materials. Ningfeng Harbor University District is similar."
Hibiscus immediately was dumbfounded, instinctively glancing at the ice and snow outside, then wryly smiling while patting her forehead. What to see—this was the Arctic, couldn't feel spring.
Trouble—not even showing a proper reporting attitude wasn't good.
"Don't worry, I handled things. Congratulations on entering first year second semester, Student Hibiscus."
"Thanks, same to you."
Suddenly Dandelion tossed a carp pendant—lying in her palm slightly cool, should be plastic material, with Political Science and Law University emblem on back. Though crude workmanship, it had sentiment—remarkably one of Hibiscus's few connections to alma mater.
"Gift souvenir, limited quantity. I queued 2 hours to get it."
"One word from you could reserve a bunch, right?"
"Detours themselves have meaning. What lingers isn't footsteps but memories there."
Dandelion girl smiled, tossing her pendant while sighing: "Tell me, how many relationships in the world can accompany from childhood through entire cold window studies into careers? Fate alone can't explain it. For me, this counts as real magic."
"......"
Hibiscus often wondered why in the original work, the steward miss and Time Priestess could smoothly join the Church immediately upon reunion. Didn't you consider more?
Actually she considered too much but couldn't overcome regret. Clearly lifelong companions—why should one college entrance exam scatter everyone to distant places? Back then, with dead parents and disabilities, Dandelion was even more melancholy. When meeting childhood friends in foreign lands, how could she not feel destiny's call?
Don't explain to me what you're doing—please let me join.
Long separation viewed as sharing joys and sorrows after hardships, longevity viewed as accompaniment despite fate's twists... Two different worldlines yet same sentiment. Fundamentally, Dandelion interpreted it as bonds.
Hibiscus couldn't help grasping her hand, making the latter slightly freeze at this sudden gesture, face reddening.
Wait, it was just holding hands.
"Let's go out for a walk. The sun rarely came out for a few minutes."
Hearing this, Dandelion discovered clear skies with snow paused.
Noisy sounds from the training ground direction slightly quieted. Even Jin Yulu carefully withdrew her transformation to avoid blocking vision. World Serpent sweeping across horizons added dreamlike colors.
Arctic winter gave impressions of cold, but the coldest season had passed after all. Moreover, for Magical Girls it was nothing. They could cross oceans to come here—so good, having magic—so good, being able to continue accompanying important people—even better. At this moment, accompanying Hibiscus out, Dandelion felt sunlight on her face, warmth flowing throughout her body, gathering in her heart with endless ripples, magnificent snow scenery filling her vision.
Their feet crunched on coastlines—unclear if gravel or snowflakes.
Distant floating ice had a polar bear lying with two cubs that stayed close beside her. Both sides made eye contact, causing this mother to yawn with a lazy atmosphere.
Winter was ending, and the Disaster Beasts had quieted too.
Dandelion smiled: "People often say every step from the pole leads toward home, eventually arriving. Now with the Church so large, it still feels like every step is brand new. I'm very uneasy. Student Hibiscus, thankfully you're always steering."
"That feeling isn't wrong. Magical Girls have keen minds and we're at the storm's center—actually everyone's the same."
"I've always been the hardworking type, not caring about talent, but your magical performance proves people can indeed show amazing talent suited to their environment. You're not like Manjusaka or Elsa with scholarly family backgrounds, actually using conventional knowledge to solve supernatural problems. You're different—you adapt like someone born in a magical world."
"Is that so?"
Hibiscus knew it was probably thanks to accepting various information from netizens, not even limited to Magic Girl of Light. Seeing much naturally made one calm and composed.
"I always worry about trivial matters, while you invest so deeply you forgot the opening ceremony. I dare say no one in the world is prepared to enter a brand new supernatural era—you're already armed and ready."
"Forgetting school registration can be interpreted this way? I'll reluctantly accept it."
Dandelion suddenly gripped the silver-haired girl's fingers hard, making her pretend to wince and submit, then she rolled her eyes.
"You go ahead and stay busy. If there's nothing to do, just homework. I'll bring you the textbooks I picked up later."
With that, the girl strode toward the residential area—apparently deliberately making a scene to find an exit excuse. Her heart was beating too fast, hoping for a moment's peace.
Hibiscus also returned to the office.
She summoned Manjusaka, who was responsible for North American new markets, calling her back temporarily. Don't worry about that side for now—just honestly develop themselves. Now the Salvation Church wasn't as cash-strapped as before. Especially with the Management Bureau coming to the surface, many businesses could be conducted openly, only earning more. So peripheral worldly influence management could slow down. At this moment, she had a sense of approaching storms.
Not a sense—news was already fabricating "certain mercenary company under investigation," "reconsidering Holy Relic treaty feasibility," and such.
Indeed a bunch who treated words like farts. The Church was right not to agree to similar Holy Relic treaties.
In other words, when the biggest legacy "privileges" from the last civil war began being challenged and questioned, it meant collapse of ritual and music. Even official media held such tones—showing conflict spillover.
Perhaps there was information she'd overlooked so far, and Growth Stage Magical Girls should be able to withstand stronger Knowledge Poison.
When in doubt, ask netizens.
Hibiscus locked herself in the office, edited the Ice Flower battle, then uploaded it. Since promising to report safety, definitely couldn't wait too long—punctuality was virtue.
The video included the entire Salvation Church Arctic journey, naturally covering training battles, even uniquely recording some daily small activities. Ending with that Ice Flower battle, guaranteed full special effects and substance throughout, over 30 minutes duration. This time more like diary format rather than big scene highlight reel, ensuring quantity and satisfaction for everyone's enjoyment.
Now Hibiscus understood—someone would always produce good edits, each mountain higher than the last. Her amateur three-legged cat skills needn't embarrass herself.
So Hyacinth's account just provided raw materials, trusting people's talents. Moreover, the system would help correct flaws—remaining footage might hide clues. Like last time learning about nuclear submarines from Aurora battle, this time used in Ice Flower war, future might even target strategic nuclear submarines, dismantling their nuclear weapons.
She wasn't rushing to ask questions—deliver first, treating it as repaying everyone's advice.
【What documentary-level image quality, so many wide angles plus overhead shots, actually all live filming. Host, did you really take a trip to the Arctic?】
【From star positions, this should be winter half-year polar night—too rigorous, this is called excellence】
【Come back quickly, afraid you'll freeze】
【Where I live, yearly minimum minus 10 degrees is unbearable, yet you ran to the Arctic in winter, when there's no sun at all—absolute adventurer】
The video comprehensively covered from Bering Strait to North Pole, every segment exquisite and clear, even occasionally featuring polar bears adding charming touches.
Using voyage log format presented different seascape changes, plus Disaster Beast elements—truly substantial.
Strong visual contrast between Hermit Island and Arctic Circle scenery touched hearts deeply, as if experiencing polar scenery together.
【Another major production after catastrophe war, I call it 'Arctic Chapter 2' with consistent high quality. This time all large-scale group battles, unlike the Aurora duel which was one-on-one decapitation operations】
【Our Church directly slaughtered through fallen zones—tell me, are Disaster Beasts afraid?】
【Wait, did we miss several updates? How did everyone break through? Are your Church founders level-up linked?】
【Originally strongest magic holders would represent highest advancement levels. In the original work, Manjusaka always lagged one or two levels because she didn't accept herself and remained suspicious of causality magic, so strength couldn't keep up with first tier. Later recalling her true heart led to soaring progress. Moreover, Magical Girl power's cutting edge was basically among Imperial Flower, Time Priestess, Anemone, and Peony】
【To some degree, all strongest magic owners being first tier, other T0s sometimes keeping up, sometimes falling behind—this was specially depicted】
【So-called strongest was never just because everyone discussed it, but also had special status given by plot】
【Hyacinth being first is fine】
【Combat power doesn't matter, I only care about relationship development. Feel like the most magnificent scene throughout was Magical Girl Dandelion's star track magic—quite moving. Hyacinth is blessed】
【Ice Flower: So nobody cares about me, right?】
Hibiscus smiled watching everyone's discussions. Indeed, Dandelion's gift style was experience itself—the feelings she brought were precious.
But letting chatter continue wasn't good either. Perfect time to ask about those concerning matters.