Hidden Island, nighttime.
The Magical Girls staying at headquarters calculated that the two expedition teams should return soon, using aerial flight rather than teleportation. Because the spatial relic Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror had reached its limit, maintaining both the island's concealment and multiple temporary transmission points, so the return journey had to rely on flying.
Fortunately, any Magical Girl who achieved third awakening and could fly had normal cruising capabilities comparable to ordinary passenger aircraft. Relay sprints posed no problem—global mobile strikes within 24 hours.
Therefore, when the two teams departed separately, Hidden Island left the Arctic and sailed toward the equator, close to both battlefields.
The highest commander responsible for reception was Kelly, along with Xiang Yunyao, Neru, and others.
The reason for choosing the Eternal Classroom magic user was that she had reached a new level of magical utilization: enabling target objects to instantly move within her domain. She had finally caught up with Senior Dandelion's usage, greatly improving practical combat value and allowing rapid battlefield evacuation with others. With unpredictable circumstances, having powerful domain magic stationed provided peace of mind.
"Calibrate navigation, confirm once more we've entered the designated position." Kelly instructed. "Everyone be careful—we might encounter enemies."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Non-combat personnel enter inland shelters, establish defensive lines along the beachhead, deploy mines."
The remaining Magical Girls weren't clear on battle conditions and couldn't rule out returning expeditionary forces bringing tails—better to prepare extra.
They had been anxious since the main forces separated. Though this operation wasn't as dangerous as the catastrophe battle, it was a genuine deep intervention in world historical civilization progress. To say there was no pressure was impossible—losing would definitely mark them as eternal sinners.
Hour 73, the appointed time arrived.
Though still in radio silence and unable to confirm with each other, they had begun acting. They injected magical power into Hidden Wind and Quiet Water, letting them disperse slightly for searching—otherwise arriving people might not find the way. Besides this, surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft guns, signal jamming, depth charges, sonar, and anti-submarine aircraft all deployed. Any unusual movement would face immediate fire.
At this moment, Hidden Island, isolated from outside information, was unclear about battle conditions. In the worst-case scenario, they were regarded as an extremist organization everyone could punish.
In that case, carrier battle groups would arrive before the expedition teams—preparations had to be thorough.
For comparison, Hidden Island was like an aircraft carrier that had previously launched a batch of "carrier aircraft" to attack targets, now arriving at another deployment position—the equatorial zone.
Kelly confirmed they were currently around Borneo.
The designated position was correct.
But time was delayed by over an hour.
If late by more than 12 hours, according to contingency plans, Hidden Island would retreat to the desolate South Pacific, even keeping company with Point Nemo.
Suddenly Neru pointed toward the distant horizon. "Look, that's a hurricane cloud mass. But storms can't cross the equator, so that should be the effect of Magical Girl aura—someone's returning."
They looked intently and indeed saw a golden World Serpent threading through, moving clouds and rain, speeding along. The serpent's body grew claws, using clouds as roads, swimming through storms.
Speaking of which, they'd never heard of Senior Protea having this ability?
Jin Yulu was currently adapting her magic toward "dragon" direction. After all, the required endurance from Antarctica was too exaggerated, so she adopted the relatively energy-saving Dragon Soaring Nine Heavens momentum. As for why she could even use another mythological creature's abilities? Anyway, Hibiscus said it was possible, so it definitely was.
The Antarctic group of three was rapidly approaching, already within visual distance, looking quite spirited.
Rumble!
The other end of the horizon actually transmitted continuous booming sounds. The firmament reflected crimson, flame fragments falling into the sea with hissing steam.
The Magical Girls on the island were dumbfounded—everyone clearly witnessed a meteorite with a starry sphere attached. The answer was obvious. When the meteorite's angle rapidly lowered, preparing to crash, another meteorite flew to take over. The domain first expanded to transfer personnel then stuck to the new meteorite surface. Both sides had gravitational pulling to control speed and precision—lightning fast. The research center battle should have dragged on longer since they had to ensure prolonged suppression, so remaining time had to be made up on the road. Perfect—even if satellite monitoring clearly knew targets headed for the equator, who dared block the path? Unstoppable.
The strongest causality and domain magics creatively cooperated to step out a "meteor road" for return.
The seniors really knew how to play.
Kelly immediately commanded loudly, "Withdraw outer barriers, reduce alert level."
Her instructions made the Magical Girls act joyfully. Since the main forces had all safely arrived, there were no problems. The truly powerful direction was the deterrent system constructed by Salvation Church's high-end combat power.
With such commotion, could weather stations and spy satellites have no discoveries? But they had to turn a blind eye—such magnificent power was too exaggerated.
The world situation was changing rapidly. Now Bull led the Mercenary Alliance in grasping most power, and everyone knew the Church was one of its backing shareholders. Fighting two high-risk battles and achieving immortal merit—riding high.
If the catastrophe battle established the Church's external deterrent position, then this civil war finally established their status.
Splash splash!
As cloud and mist barriers dispersed, the two teams appeared before Kelly and others:
Arriving together perfectly—first, from Antarctica, Hibiscus and Beatrice together supported Jin Yulu, the latter looking exhausted and gasping, then sighing in relief while drowsily falling asleep. One could imagine the Relic Treasury battle plus day-and-night rushing was very tiring. Second, from the Arctic, the large group still maintained high morale, everyone showing joy like triumphant return. Jin Ruochu flew to embrace the silver-haired girl.
"Since everyone returned safely, quickly announce it! Dr. Mu, we've created history—the new chapter of world civilization has the Church's page."
Hibiscus looked around at gazes full of hope. Actually she was very tired, but witnessing countless eager expectations immediately felt refreshed.
"We won."
"The last institution imprisoning Magical Girls has been dealt with. No force dares look down on us anymore. We can not only change but create a new world."
"—Thank you all for your dedication. Long live Salvation Church!"
As soon as she finished, the Magical Girls cheered joyfully, wanting to jump three feet high. At this moment, everyone felt not only the relief of safe return but also a grand, magnificent atmosphere. In the past, how could they dare imagine participating in such major events? Sharing benefits couldn't compare to sharing historical achievement? Careers often unite hearts.
Thinking of Mercenary Alliance President Bull's recent fawning requests felt somewhat unreal—times had changed.
The most difficult key battle was over.
The Magical Girls crowded around Senior Hyacinth, continuously asking things like "Was the research center really a bunch of rookies?" "How formidable was the Antarctic Relic Treasury?" "Could even top-tier Holy Relics do nothing to you?"
Hibiscus had long passed the period of excitement from flattery, but now was a good time to boost morale and build organizational cohesion.
She smiled freely and declared loudly, "I said before—we will win."
Salvation Church members looked convinced. Indeed, Miss Hyacinth seemed to hold the world's number one title yet was actually very careful, basically never fighting unprepared battles.
Those in the know knew their own business. Actually, the Magical Girls stationed at Hidden Island headquarters had prepared for nuclear strikes on Antarctica. Anyway, Sands of Time magic plus World Serpent magic could first avoid absolute kill zones then withstand remaining shockwaves—worst case, play big with you. This tactic was personally formulated by Hyacinth, revealing desperate madness for victory—not the same psychological level as military and mercenaries who each had escape routes.
Good thing it didn't come to that.
"Everyone rest first. Oh, and lift radio silence to contact the mercenaries by the way."
Hibiscus really had no strength left. She held the already soundly sleeping Jin Yulu, letting her lie on the beach. The latter was contaminated with some Knowledge Poison that couldn't be treated in time—she needed good rest. She herself was also utterly exhausted. Just World Serpent flying all the way wasn't enough from Antarctica to the equator. During this time she intermittently used time acceleration, equally consuming.
As soon as she finished, Jin Ruochu, who had just been lively and claiming to hold a banquet, fell and went stiff—obviously Fortune and Misfortune magic's price was being paid.
Using meteor showers to travel the whole way—not being tired would be strange. In terms of magical power consumption, it didn't match time magic, but the price was definitely high.
After winning the battle, Salvation Church immediately had three high-level officers down.
Nan Zhiyi immediately ordered, "Rear guard immediately deploy logistics treatment. Glucose, energy drinks, supplements—bring everything. Regardless of injuries, everyone must first take recovery and health potions. We must ensure no high-end combat power vacancy period. Elsa and I will handle mercenary liaison. Everyone move!"
She knew that though dust had settled, it was best to confirm prices with cooperators immediately—this was equally important as war.
Facing this smooth handling, Hibiscus smiled and nodded. Feeling the silver-haired girl's gaze, she smiled like a blooming flower, fatigue swept away.
Nan Zhiyi couldn't help feeling victorious toward her colleague.
Though we all fought side by side with great merit, the fragile Jin after battle still depends most on her childhood friend.
Facts proved the judgment correct. Because the Ruan sisters and Anri Sakagami, who belonged to the same severe magical consumption type, were basically flat out. Other main forces like Minase Kaori, Miyuki, and Fenghua were magically depleted. In the research center combat group, those retaining most energy were the logistics medical team like Joan and Stephanie, plus Maho's elemental magic "military band" could also boost spirits to prevent fainting.
The entire Church followed contingency steps to care for wounded, strengthen security, and check barriers. It wasn't time to celebrate yet—first ensure safe passage.
Light broke, night gradually faded.
Moments later, Nan Zhiyi hung up the satellite phone and relayed the basic course of events:
Bull controlled allied military headquarters command post and gained official support, even arranging a "Disaster Beast Countermeasure Military Chief Of Staff" position—no one mentioned rebellion anymore. Similarly, everyone didn't dare point fingers at Church actions. Because the Mercenary Alliance immediately proposed "establishing intimate friendly cooperative relations with the Church and supporting the Magical Girls' cause" as part of reciprocal exchange.
He was a smart man who wouldn't and didn't dare water down the Church's compensation. Next, he would successively promote related policies. Elsa would handle this aspect—very reliable.
Military hardliners lost influence. Supreme Commander Croft retired, other high-ranking officials either submitted or followed trends to maintain status quo.
Additionally, Bull naturally proposed the new "Magical Talent Act" inheriting the "Holy Relic Treaty's" privileges while expanding them to include Magical Girls, thus providing legal support and improving companions' conditions.
Besides this, he generously distributed pensions, raised budgets, expanded military scale...
Get it?
Fundamentally, Bull's secret lay in "allowing all parties to benefit without touching the foundation of Disaster Beast opposition"—at least pleasing most people. His work style remained cautious as always yet steady with progress.
For him, not greedy for money or sex with no bad habits, he simply liked the security feeling of holding great power—finally getting his wish.
Nan Zhiyi said flatly, "According to him, from now on the Church will have the authority of a truly powerful institution, with funding allocated to the Administration."
"Well calculated." Hibiscus smiled.
"Bull still hasn't given up probing Salvation Church information—possibly curiosity from backing forces."
"After all, we harshly dealt with the research center and Relic Treasury. Many people will lose sleep—those were trump cards."
"I also heard some news. The Mercenary Alliance assassin force you mentioned before had deployment traces. The military also dispatched hidden Holy Relics. Both sides fought at European headquarters, turning the entire city into a sea of fire. Even Atlantic fishermen said the wind was scorching..."
Nan Zhiyi always paid attention to official power changes, naturally staying alert.
The infighting exposed corners of the decisive-level forces controlled by military and mercenaries respectively. Those usually active faces like mercenary company presidents and war zone commanders didn't participate deeply, as if unknown forces competed and rubbed against each other before withdrawing. Typical examples were naturally Snow Maiden's military batch, using information manipulation relics to keep intelligence unknown.
Jin Yulu, slightly recovered, reminded, "Those guys are quite strong. Leader Snow Maiden still has some ability—complete liberation should be a bit stronger than Growth Stage."
"How is that possible?"
"Of course excluding our boss, this exaggerated outlier-level Growth Stage—simply this level's definition but next level's combat power."
Surrounding Magical Girls smiled knowingly—everyone's impression of Magical Girl Hyacinth was consistent. Indeed, so-called Regalia, origin, magic three-in-one cyclers walked another path—an unprecedented pioneering journey. No matter how many trump cards Holy Relics hid, it was meaningless.
Hibiscus suddenly asked, "By the way, did you all preserve battle footage?"
"Don't worry—cameras, magical recordings, memory fragments are all saved. Enough material to make movies."
Hearing this, she sighed in relief. Good—otherwise without her constant supervision, footage would be too incomplete to edit for the optician think tank. Anyway, smoother than imagined—everyone returning safely was sufficient.
"There indeed exist some stronger Holy Relics, but their strength closely relates to the general environment. They must wait for further magical revival to perform well. Don't worry."
"There's also good news—"
Elsa brought over a television, excitedly pointing at the screen.
Miller, now officially opposition party whip in parliament, was shaking hands with Bull with beaming smiles, chatting happily before camera flashes.
Rolling subtitles below explained: "Senator and Mercenary Alliance President reach agreement on 'Salvation Church Special Support Foundation funding'—first phase of 2 billion expected to arrive this week." Blatant interest transfer, but more importantly the meaning of official certification behind it.
Since the Magical Girl Organization helped me enter the halls of power, in exchange I give you complete legal endorsement.
Elsa was happy about her father's promotion—clearly these two were well-suited for cooperation.
For Bull, he was worried about finding ways to fulfill his reward promises. Miller was a well-known "stakeholder"—they simply hit it off to signal the Church. Both were experienced political figures—smart people communicated smoothly.
Seeing through this, Hibiscus smiled without speaking. You two are really amusing—actually what she wanted wasn't this troublesome. Displaying power was sufficient—everyone was just overthinking.
What were Magical Girls' demands?
Without making it clear, many individuals would lose sleep. Previous vague plans were outdated—now the Church should draw a line.
Hibiscus instructed Elsa, "Later you convey a message to the Mercenary Alliance. Though there might be repetition, different parts count as supplements. Anyway, you all listen well—"
"1. Information on every newly discovered Magical Girl should be registered with the Administration."
"2. Salvation Church undertakes all magical power runaway responsibility and provides full economic compensation."
"3. Any harm to Magical Girls under our employment relationship equals provocation. The organization will provide necessary warnings and lessons, completely destroying when necessary."
Elsa wrote down the three-article agreement in her notebook. Besides this core plan, Hibiscus provided a series of detailed supplementary clauses—comparable to major diplomatic documents, comprehensive and far-sighted. One could imagine this wasn't improvisation. As Salvation Church founder and leader, she was more forward-looking than anyone, having drafts ready and speaking when timely.
Careful consideration revealed interlocking elements including Church obligations and management boundaries—neither over-expanding nor weak.
Ordinary Magical Girls didn't pay much attention, but professional Elsa could hear how much ingenious design was contained—definitely Senior Hyacinth's painstaking work. Unexpectedly, she was also outstanding in the subdivision of drafting treaties. Simply all-talented—meaning very hard to deceive and skilled at planning.
Worthy of you!
Seeing Magical Girl Chrysanthemum's sparkling eyes, Hibiscus knew the other was overthinking again.
Nothing more than copying clauses provided by netizens, fusing specific regulations from the Administration period and Church's sole dominance terms, taking the middle path combined with current conditions to provide guidance—thus this "three-article agreement." Moreover, it wasn't complete.
No need to produce the complete version at once—leave negotiation space. After all, the Mercenary Alliance's fulfillment capacity wasn't enough yet, could slow down some. Anyway, she wasn't in a hurry.
Hibiscus chose the most crucial moment to propose, carrying victory's威 to play cards while ahead, but mature negotiators would definitely delay.
Bull would engage in verbal battles with Elsa, repeatedly pulling back and forth. What could ultimately be implemented would be very little.
But she originally only planned to proclaim.
Whether you fulfill or not isn't as practical as me doing the work myself.
Magical Girls would eventually step onto the stage for governance. Not mentioning magical revival's general trend, just now countless folk associations, political groups, and social activists emerged claiming to support the Church—an atmosphere of imperial succession.
Hibiscus said flatly, "I sense some of you have dissatisfaction—not opinions about me, just feeling our demands fall far short of what we deserve, right?"
Her gaze swept around. Some Magical Girls looked away while others actively expressed:
"Senior Hyacinth, I believe Salvation Church has complete ability to gain more. Why only these possibly completely unimplementable rules and regulations? Probably unreliable."
"If the Mercenary Alliance dares to give discounts, then support their enemies."
"Stability first."
Everyone held different views but no one aimed at decision-making itself—they needed further explanation after all their efforts.
In their eyes, seniors formed two expedition forces heading to the poles for bloody battles as royal vanguards, yet the Mercenary Alliance was rushing to establish a glorious righteous image for itself—ridiculous. Didn't they think about who really helped establish victory? Where was the previously humble respectful Bull? Young Magical Girls who believed world operating rules should be reciprocal reward inevitably felt some resentment.
Hibiscus smiled and said, "Why don't I demand money, territory, positions—these seemingly more practical things? Not seeking is because I'm planning something bigger."
"Magical Girls will reach heights higher than Holy Relics. Whether we're willing or not, history's torrent will crowd necessary people to assume destined roles, like we helped the Mercenary Alliance achieve supreme power."
"You, I, everyone will become a ruling group. Compared to that future, what do these count as?"
Ambitious declarations shocked the inexperienced girls.
Many grassroots members never even imagined—simply impacted their worldviews. Those who had experienced upper-class influence like Elsa understood the meaning was subversion. Mere usurpation couldn't satisfy Hyacinth's appetite. After testing her ability to shake general trends, goals also elevated accordingly...
Clap!
Hibiscus's sudden clapping interrupted everyone's thoughts, then continued, "For now, thinking about it is enough. Be practical—start by caring about mercenary news."
She pointed at the television on the beach. The recovered Magical Girls temporarily stopped divergent thinking.
Drawing cakes should be appropriate. This time she used a beautiful prospect to offset unclear direct demands' impact—counting as an explanation to members. After all, everyone came from different educational backgrounds, regions, and families from all corners—explaining was too troublesome, so simply propagandize.
Hibiscus paid more attention to the spirited Bull in the current broadcast—what high opinion did he have:
"Regarding the ongoing military emergency state, we deeply regret it, but I promise within 24 hours local residents will return to normal life—everything as usual."
"Additionally, I convey a difficult decision: General Croft retires, and allied military staff will welcome reorganization."