Hibiscus stretched lazily, feeling the Knowledge Poison somewhat relieved after rest. Outside the window, the Fallen Zone's climate was completely different from normal regions, with unique scenery.
High sky and light clouds, waves echoing, palm trees swaying in the wind.
Suddenly knocking sounded accompanied by Nan Zhiyi's inquiry: "Hibiscus? Are you asleep? We're almost there."
The silver-haired girl started with alarm, hatefully slapping her forehead. She thought she'd indeed become sluggish from Knowledge Poison—she'd forgotten to clean up the blood on the floor, which couldn't be explained by any regular physical condition...
"Wait a moment, I'm putting on clothes."
She picked up tissues to wipe clean but unexpectedly heard the door click. A hurried, worried black-haired girl stood by the doorframe, arms crossed, eyes carrying slight reproach. As childhood friends' tacit understanding, no need to guess—definitely the cost of forcibly exchanging knowledge through Time Prophecy.
Originally Nan Zhiyi planned to scold her childhood friend's recklessness, but unexpectedly the other turned tables: "Are you curious about me without clothes?"
The statement inconsistent with her usual character made her brain freeze, words stuck at her lips, so she switched phrases.
"I had a mental perception on—turns out you suffered Knowledge Poison contamination."
"So don't randomly open mental scans in the dormitory building."
After some banter, Hibiscus smiled faintly, expression cheerful yet apologetic. Though expressing self-reflection, she showed no intention of correcting it. The two looked at each other, unsure whether to laugh or sigh. People in the world, bodies beyond their control—having this ability, shouldn't she divine fortune and misfortune for everyone? Moreover, Nan Zhiyi knew she'd do it in any other situation anyway, just matters of degree.
The black-haired girl snatched the tissue box from her companion's hands, forcibly helping her sit on the bed while covering her with blankets, not forgetting to pat Hibiscus's forehead signaling her to behave.
Then Nan Zhiyi carefully wiped the blood clean while cleaning the floor once over, movements nimble, settling mere household chores in a few moves.
Then she stood bedside with hands on hips, imposing, cold gaze and serious expression clearly warning "next time silently enduring Knowledge Poison alone will have consequences."
Hibiscus nodded like a pecking chicken.
"...I often feel we're in too deep. When facing major losses someday, will we regret the original decision? Even fall apart?"
"So you're actually worried about the upcoming core zone battle?"
"Far more than that. Just the Hegemon Disaster Beasts you marked on the map are troublesome enough, let alone these military guys with ulterior motives, each suspicious and guarded against others. Can only hope they fight favorable battles—once facing headwinds, they'll run faster than opening portals."
"Honestly, I think you're somewhat biased." The silver-haired girl spread her hands: "At least not that bad."
Nan Zhiyi shook her head: "I grew up in beachhead areas, just kilometers from you yet suffering infection disease ravages while those above did nothing."
"I understand—everyone's perspectives stem from experience. Results-wise, we provided wharf underground order, funded community establishment, charitable treatment, researched special medicines... We changed all this, so you trust the military even less. Whatever—how they are doesn't matter."
Hibiscus sat up patting the black-haired girl's shoulder, who leaned into her embrace.
They could hear each other's heartbeats. This posture was more like Nan Zhiyi listening to heartbeat rhythms, feeling faint floral fragrance from her companion. Since you mentioned Magical Girls counted as flower fairies, that was probably hyacinth scent. Then she simply lay on the former's lap, feeling soft sensations behind her head and couldn't help smiling—healthy yet aesthetically pleasing thighs.
Nan Zhiyi looked up at her childhood friend with slight reproach but didn't verbally stop her, instead gently combing messy black hair.
"We're going to replace everything, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"Magical power revival definitely accompanies massive deaths. Actually, you're mentally prepared—sooner or later the Church must rule."
"Saying this sounds arrogant, but facts aren't far off. I indeed believe the future belongs to magical supernatural eras. But currently, just completing the early recapture war stages."
"Military people aren't trustworthy. I'm not questioning Chairman Bull and their character—regrettably, with large organizations come many entanglements, often unable to fully represent themselves. So at crucial moments, the military will likely be slow or unsatisfactory. Powerful Disaster Beasts still need us to handle."
"No problem—we indeed need stronger Disaster Beast materials anyway."
As Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror's owner, the feeling was strong: spatial relics weren't what ordinary organizations could control.
As Hermit Island established more facilities and residents' strength improved, magical power required for movement expanded rapidly.
Initially, Hibiscus compared it to Floating Ring, Prophecy Books, and other top-tier relics, thinking consumption wasn't that exaggerated. Were official claims about requiring massive materials just kickbacks?
Right, but not entirely.
After Salvation Church grew powerful, Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror's consumption increased daily. Maintaining the main island's operation, fixed teleport points, temporary teleport points—none were easy.
Moreover, it was faintly showing erosive force.
The notorious side effects of relics arrived, but for Hibiscus, slight meditation adjustments solved it. Two reasons: First, she'd never deeply fused, so erosion couldn't truly harm her—I'm just using it, don't actively touch me. Second, due to full relic aptitude qualifications, she had 100% control with minimal space for adverse erosion. Of course, these phenomena still urged the master to capture more materials to fill its belly.
Suddenly, the silent Nan Zhiyi spoke: "You're thinking dangerous thoughts again, aren't you?"
"...Just feel there's another reason to enter the core zone, not much difference. Confirm current detailed battle conditions with command then discuss."
Just as she finished, the island's broadcast sounded again. New Zealand's North Island was now within visual distance—the harbor was full of fleets, and the sky was busy with transport planes occasionally flying past.
What a spectacle!
Compared to the last Hawaii meeting, New Allied Forces' South Pacific forces had strengthened again—truly a fierce army.
Seeing this, Nan Zhiyi and Hibiscus nodded to each other and left the room.
They first gathered with Church backbone while directing transport of Disaster Beast specimens collected during this trip—time to prepare for meetings.
For elite Magical Girls, perception already crossed seas touching the temporary command post where several equally extraordinary auras existed. Finally arrived—ancient Holy Relics, code-name Holy Relics taking positions. Teammates should be serious too.
The other side might also intentionally give allies some deterrence to avoid being underestimated.
Church members didn't know that just Hermit Island's murderous aura from touring around alarmed newcomers.
Like being fished from blood pools.
Bull and others waiting at the harbor thought unanimously—hadn't expected Hermit Island returning from Fallen Zone tours would be soaked in countless Disaster Beast wails, pressure hitting faces. Turns out killing intent wasn't rumors but real, and even fearsome monsters could become slaughtered livestock.
Command's imprisoned live Disaster Beasts all cowered, not daring to howl, fearing being targeted with one glance.
Hermit Island was less like a military base, more like a main battle weapon—charging into enemy territory for violent beatings then triumphant withdrawal. Simply miraculous.
No, for the world's first supernatural group Salvation Church, this counted as daily routine. After all, their documented organized Disaster Beast hunts exceeded 4 instances with training intensity rivaling any frontline unit. Moreover, soldiers easily tired requiring rotation and personnel transfer, but Magical Girls likely fought full matches with the same group, each with brilliant records.
Splash!
Clouds dispersed, revealing familiar figures.
Leading Hibiscus pointed at Disaster Beast remains being moved to command, speaking directly: "Maps can't describe aggressiveness—they've become more frenzied."
Bull nodded: "We noticed this too, but can only maintain defense because infection disease grows more concentrated. Some Disaster Beasts even use this as biological weapons."
"No problem. One reason for coming here is we can handle infection disease and conversely wage biological warfare on Disaster Beasts."
"Great help. Staff were worrying about this, almost changing offensive plans."
Their third meeting had no pleasantries—exchanging current intelligence with brief statements.
Accompanying backbone were the same.
Situations allowing mutual scheming trials had ended. When military formally entered New Zealand frontline combat, it marked entering general offensive stages—fight Disaster Beasts to the death with no room for other thoughts, so cooperation was more serious than ever.
For surrounding people, this was too rare. Generally, Chairman Bull and General Croft often kept people at arm's length, yet today they were enthusiastic as if long-awaited.
No wonder—Salvation Church proved themselves through hard strength. Even single-handedly pioneering Fallen Zone shipping lanes, with military following their safe zones for mutual support from Hawaii to New Zealand. Moreover, during periods when the Church lost contact entering core zones, they returned safely—every detail proved the organization's unfathomable depths.
Fortunately not as enemies. Conversely, Disaster Beasts would definitely suffer with strong-versus-strong confrontations about to unfold.
Soldiers were already eager.
Though recent Fallen Zone peripheral combat was extremely difficult, results were remarkable—actually recapturing over one million square kilometers of ocean. Previously humans always defended; today finally winning major victories.
Plus Holy Relics, mercenaries, and Magical Girl assistance created an atmosphere of myriad supporters—past 20 years never had such grand occasions.
Everyone conversing looked serious yet extremely excited.
As for Pacific Theater's high-tier Holy Relic group, they played transparent roles. Strategy discussions were staff business—they cared more about rumored Magical Girls.
Especially Kale always felt mental power lingering around, constantly targeting her.
Strange.
Though this body was just rare-grade relics, it excelled in mechanisms perfectly matching magical power. Plus soul possession had no flaws—even detection-skilled magic couldn't see through. Why did she always feel everything was seen through by mental power from Hyacinth?
"...Another reason I came was for you, Pharmacist."
After confirming situations with Bull, Hibiscus suddenly greeted. Feeling strange gazes, she was slightly stunned then mechanically responded.
"Honestly, I know very little about your organization. Just awakened to learn so many things still digesting, unclear what merits your interest."
"Isn't a simple admiration reason enough? Long admired your fame—half the Pacific Theater gained stability thanks to your past contributions. Regarding common causes, everyone counts as friends."
"Strange that I never heard of your organization..."
"But you're definitely familiar with Magical Girls."
Just preparing to probe based on Salvation Church's establishment time, Kale was struck—directly facing Hyacinth's unwavering eyes, clearly certain she had countless connections with Magical Girls. Why? Just through Time Prophecy?
In lightning moments, several thoughts flashed through her mind, each denied, because Rangers should have left no flaws.
Finally she could only answer: "I heard considerable news but this is my first meeting."
Hibiscus smiled meaningfully, glancing at Bull's puzzled expression nearby. All were shrewd—brief conversation made him keenly notice wrong atmosphere, but the three with ulterior motives couldn't compare notes, relying entirely on speculation. The Chairman and Kale involuntarily looked toward her, since the person with most intelligence was obvious, forcing her to surrender initiative.
"Pharmacist, I'm happy to have your combat support—we gained another victory chance."
"Though the Church mastered breakthrough infection methods and large-scale Disaster Beast killing power, I still want to ask Chairman Bull what combat objectives are? I need specific phased indicators."
Without clarifying this, Hibiscus couldn't gauge support levels.
Her goal was finding elemental strongest magic Pseudo Magnetic Field's holder, Tulip. Whether recruitment succeeded was secondary—must give the wild girl face.
Hearing this, surrounding people pricked up ears, resulting in silence.
Finally Salvation Church's Leader asked the key point—supreme commanders should know how to start wars and understand ending standards.
Bull spoke frankly: "Actually we discussed this long, with many different voices... but shouldn't present these difficulties as complaints. Everyone doesn't want to hear whining either. War should be rational activity requiring clear minds. So my standards have at least two—"
"First: over 70% of Fallen Zone peripheries recaptured—this indicator isn't far off."
"Second: establish no fewer than 3 military base strongholds in core zones, preparing for next-stage combat. Of course, also dispatching reconnaissance teams to deeper areas."
"Above are the command's commitments."
As nominal supreme commander for this Fallen Zone recapture operation, he made final decisions—overall situation set.
Bull clearly knew this specific combat objective question was unavoidable, so he had prepared responses, directly revealing them when Hyacinth asked.
He sincerely added: "Must admit higher levels still have uncoordinated voices. Some think situations are excellent and should continuously reinforce for complete territorial recovery in one breath; others think future progress will be difficult, requiring steady advancement..."
"Consider just-mentioned standards as one combat phase's end."
"People need rest, rotation, and supplies—otherwise elites become worthless from exhaustion, so achieving objectives means reorganization."
Hibiscus nodded approvingly: "Wise choice. Having commanders like you adds certainty to battlefields. Since so, I represent the Salvation Church supporting military's first-round combat plans with full support."
"Same here."
Representing the high-tier Holy Relic team, Pharmacist also gave commitments because she had no subordinate relationship with military, leaning toward peer different institutions. Because ancient Holy Relics established loose organization Holy City Association for mutual advance and retreat, trying not to interfere with each other—historical policy products from civil war leaving theoretical territorial interests representation without mutual interference.
So Pharmacist's stance meant Holy City Association support, even Snow Maiden might join this war, guaranteeing Antarctic-to-New Zealand safety.
Both forces' stances relieved Bull, but next moment he tensed again.
Because Hibiscus produced a pitch-black cylindrical can radiating rich evil aura, overwhelming turbid sensations.
Virus relic, Black Jar.
Thanks to Okinawa base's leak incident, the originally classified item became notorious—naturally, nearly causing massacres. In a sense, military's moral deductions related to Black Jar's loss of control—definitely troublesome.
"I won't introduce unnecessarily—facts speak louder than words. Let me demonstrate." Hibiscus spoke while making the relic emit black mist.
This made everyone vigilant but ultimately took no extreme actions.
At this distance, Magical Girl Hyacinth using time pause could instantly kill several people anyway—no need for roundabout methods. Have confidence in allies.
They witnessed Black Jar's emitted mist actually neutralizing atmospheric forces, more terrifyingly causing imprisoned Disaster Beasts to rapidly weaken with skin surface corrosion...
Previously such attacking performance was Disaster Beasts hitting humans—now roles reversed.
"How is this possible?"
Most surprised was Kale, who thoughtfully pondered: "Could Black Jar originally be special environmental treatment tools? You should have reversed and diluted infection factors through it, forming enhanced magical power broadcast to neutralize substances. This achieves two goals—dispersing infections while corroding Disaster Beasts. Principled and traceable, but accomplishing this requires extremely strong relic control, right?"
Controlling container relics, the Magical Girl clearly knew the difficulty. Moreover, seeing Hyacinth use holy spears to repel catastrophic Disaster Beasts was indeed substantial.
"Indeed not easy, so I showed off."
Hibiscus's casual answer showed no pressure.
With full relic aptitude qualifications, she inherently solved adverse reactions and erosive contamination, naturally handling everything smoothly.
Other observers, even Church Magical Girls, marveled. Even companions rarely saw Hibiscus display relic abilities because compared to magic, they were less safe. But completely taming dangerous items definitely counted as skill.
Command staff thought more—various signs indicated Hyacinth probably had full relic aptitude, confirming speculation. Since so, several more methods were available.
Bull smiled, inviting everyone into conference rooms for detailed discussions. A long table appeared covered with various documents including photos and descriptions.
He picked up a water quality report, saying quietly: "Your intelligence indicated water problems. Only after deep testing did we know..."
"It's very lively inside."
Hibiscus agreed: "Right—massive mutated parasites, special Disaster Beast larvae, concentrated infection factors lurking in water. From outer to core zones, disinfection and sterilization work, but deeper areas won't work. So I also support your first-round strategy not going too deep—very dangerous there."
"Of course, quoting research groups: I suspect these guys gnaw warships better than barnacles."
"So do you have new countermeasures?"
"Actually already started. Research found these little guys are quite fragile—some conventional methods suffice. We'd rather transport chemical factory waste."
No need for further words—just mixing various lethal chemical waste agents that even general adult Disaster Beasts couldn't withstand, let alone those fragile little things. At least handling peripheries wasn't difficult. Through these methods, Allied Forces could reduce ship losses in controlled areas.
Most importantly, absolutely block their leakage into normal oceans.
Otherwise, letting them enter fishing areas would be terrifying—irreversible then. Since these seas were so dirty, go ahead.
"We don't have environmentalists here, right?" Bull surveyed: "Before survival, that's meaningless."
"But I'm not crazy either. Actually, there are corresponding purification relics. Though lacking aptitude holders, with Hyacinth here, it should suffice."
"Don't worry." Hibiscus answered readily: "The Church also has similar magic. Once victorious, everything's manageable—there are always solutions. Now should focus on other problems, like high-tier Disaster Beasts aren't just the 4 in deep zones. There are individuals strong enough but lacking territory, expelled by hegemons. We might fight them—must prepare."
"You're so concerned about deep zones because the Church must go in once?"
"Yes."
The seemingly plain response carried unquestionable determination. Seeing Church members similarly calm showed consensus was reached. When command considered avoiding deep zone engagements, they'd decided to enter—indeed consistent with usual style.
"Our objectives broadly align, so let's discuss further detailed strategies. Afterward, I hope you'll join public announcements."
"Of course. Wish us pleasant cooperation."
Finishing, Bull and Hibiscus shook hands firmly—parts of their political lives were entrusted to each other.
For Mercenary Alliance's Chairman, this bet entire reputation, status, and connections—everything. For Hyacinth, regardless of circumstances, she must connect with another strongest magic holder, paving recruitment roads.
Both sides harbored thoughts yet chose implementing the same path—two ambitious figures pushed waves for general trends.