At the junction between Fallen Zone periphery and core areas, the sea surface displayed varying color tones—depth representing danger.
Hermit Island led navigation, using Zoe's Mountain Building Movement magic along the way to clear countless reefs, forcibly creating a clean route. Besides this, Helen used magic to keep both Hermit Island and the fleet constantly moving with ocean currents—like adding wings to a tiger.
"Amazing—I never thought ocean currents would follow me wherever I went in this lifetime."
Even the usually cold-faced Josh transmitted praise through radio, unimaginable what strategic value someone possessing this magic in the Church held.
"The rest won't be easy." Jin Yulu held the microphone gazing at the sea: "Honestly, when we toured recently, the seawater wasn't this dark."
It was livelier inside.
People on both ends of the radio understood the implications, hurriedly instructing subordinates to redouble attention. Main fleets and considerable Holy Relics were on expedition—no room for error, so they raised 120% vigilance.
Formation 1 included ace-level combat power like Hyacinth and Pharmacist, meant to pierce core zones like daggers establishing bases.
So the fleet also brought engineering ships and supply vessels—avoiding battle was most convenient.
If Formation 1 fought smoothly, they would separate at deep zone boundaries, with Salvation Church undertaking forward reconnaissance missions. In other words, this team bore the most difficult and dangerous tasks from the start, going deeper into enemy territory. So Magical Girls were eager for action with high morale, both worried and anticipating a grand battle—atmosphere filled with tension.
Formation 2 included remaining relatively weak Holy Relics and follow-up forces. Both sides would converge to handle peripheral zone clearing tasks, achieving the 70% recapture death order objective.
They shouldered the largest area combat missions while supporting the complaining Indian Ocean Theater—actually quite busy. Fortunately, Snow Maiden led Antarctic forces providing support to New Zealand frontlines, ensuring attackers could rest easy.
The sharpest spear remained Formation 1.
Splash!
Jin Ruochu held a glass cup, lightly scooping seawater toward sunlight: "Strange—it becomes clear again after leaving the ocean? Drinkable?"
"Excluding magical factors, just from scientific perspective," Nan Zhiyi looked up from map recording to remind: "Seawater contains many microorganisms and even different eggs. Perhaps your stomach acid suffices, but who knows the chemical reactions involved? But I'm very interested—what happens if Magical Girls drink it?"
"No problem—we have as many test subjects as needed."
The pink-haired girl pointed distantly at the sea surface. A killer whale knocked a seal onto shore with a splash, landing at her feet, black eyes reflecting Jin Ruochu.
"Animal friend, please." She poured seawater into the seal's mouth under everyone's attention.
"Awooo—"
Within seconds it convulsed and rolled, skin torn and flesh exposed all over, with countless wandering mealworms seemingly behind glazed pupils...
Such scenes made Magical Girls' scalps tingle. Seeing this, Nan Zhiyi flicked her finger, creating a 2-meter diameter domain enclosing the target while simultaneously draining oxygen, treating it with vacuum, cosmic rays, solar wind, magnetic field radiation, etc.
"Too dangerous—best to disinfect, though the sample's gone too."
After domain release, only charcoal remained.
Jin Ruochu used magical power to throw the corpse back into the sea without contact, then said with lingering fear: "Strange—why do ordinary animals live fine in water? Problems only arise when both leave together?"
"Because parasites lose suitable environments and don't dare wait for better hosts, simply clinging to everything before them, desperately devouring."
"I see—no wonder water became clear. Essentially a form of dormant hiding."
"My Black Jar virus uses similar principles—harmless in specific normal environments but immediately activating infection upon meeting Disaster Beasts, avoiding friendly fire while improving efficiency." Hibiscus, walking gracefully from hillside observation posts, explained this phenomenon.
Also free with her were the Ruan sisters and Anri Sakagami—representing navigation team's completed work. Hereafter, Hermit Island would sail according to established routes.
Relief.
After all, using the Thousand-Li Viewing Mirror inevitably caused turbulence—dizzying spins nearly splitting buttocks.
The silver-haired girl stared seriously at the beach where the seal had been: "But relic viruses at most work in peripheral zones, weakening in core zones, becoming useless later. Because depths have been soaked in infection magical power too long, and as Disaster Beasts inside spread outward, infection diffusion is also troublesome—that's bad news. Good news is higher magical power concentration means our strength will greatly improve. The future has arrived—happening in Fallen Zones."
Hearing this, Magical Girls' eyes immediately brightened.
Even new members busy training couldn't help anticipating—so they could grow stronger lying down? Such good things existed in the world?
Thinking carefully, this indeed matched Senior Hyacinth's theoretical predictions about revival eras in magic theory classes—so Disaster Beasts essentially created experimental gardens.
Magical Girls were simply version's chosen ones, endless era dividends, wind-carried takeoff.
"Something's wrong—not so simple. According to what you said, Hibiscus, future enriched magical power will change all organisms. Cases like parasitic worm devouring will be everywhere, right?" Quick-thinking Nan Zhiyi rang alarm bells for everyone.
Hibiscus nodded.
Their question-and-answer poured cold water, and thinking of that destined strange future world made young girls inevitably uneasy—after all, interests were related. They couldn't help discussing:
"My home's in coastal cities—must I leave later?"
"What about shipping? Fishery resources? Soaring prices, lacking clothes and food—we're doomed."
"Is now really good? I give up."
Suddenly Hibiscus's sharp clapping drew everyone's attention, immediately silencing them. She surveyed the circle saying: "At this point, how can I say morale-damaging words? Actually, as long as we contain Fallen Zone spread, Planet Gaia has longer adaptation periods. We'll always find methods—trust me."
Great Prophet Hyacinth's affirmation was indeed indisputable. Seeing her remain enthusiastic despite witnessing so much was more impactful than any propaganda or encouragement.
"Speaking of which, how much do military forces understand?" Jin Yulu was very curious.
"Less than me, but they clearly understand general trends—knowing the future will definitely be a world transformed by magical power. Even so, didn't everyone still throw themselves into this without hesitation? Don't think so much, everyone. Facing historical torrents, we can only strengthen ourselves. Coincidentally, it's also the most suitable method. If military knew this and hesitated, I wouldn't navigate for them."
"Those people are quite reliable."
Just as Hermit Island people worried yet anticipated future magical eras, flagship carrier island command's Josh frowned tightly.
Radar instruments before her flickered chaotically, becoming unreliable.
"...Church intelligence was correct—the deeper we go, the worse electromagnetic environments become. Ordinary communication methods are completely unreliable. Must we return to sailing ship eras relying on flag signals and loud voices?"
Communications operator answered: "Sir, we still have magical power transmission that's relatively stable—actually enhanced. Adjusting communications within visual range works."
"Let's do this for now."
Josh with no immediate solutions could only adjust layouts, though anticipated, still frustrating.
"Cheer up—look, Church people have always been in good moods." Nearby Kale patted her shoulder. As stated, Magical Girls on Hermit Island beaches never forgot training magical power, seemingly becoming enjoyment: "So they're most adapted to the era, starting earlier than anyone, charging frontlines is chasing trends themselves."
"Pharmacist, from your experience, why is the Church determined to reach Fallen Zone depths? Even just looking is very dangerous—logically shouldn't risk it."
"Only Hyacinth knows this point. We can't guess what that person truly thinks. Nobody can guess either—might as well trust her like Salvation Church members... But if forced to speculate, I have one."
Josh's eyes immediately brightened—she was equally curious.
"Your perception isn't enough to notice magical traces in this abnormal electromagnetic environment—possibly some source exists."
Remaining words Kale wouldn't continue even with certain guesses—after all, military deserved wariness, and she couldn't be certain either. What level magical loss of control could be so strong? Must occupy all advantages of timing, location, and people—chance coincidence products sounded unreliable.
Beep beep—
Suddenly sonar alarm sounds interrupted everyone's thoughts. The entire island command became vigilant, seeing dense small dots appear in detection wavelengths.
"Report—submarines engaged underwater enemy units."
Josh decisively ordered: "Accelerate cruising, begin anti-submarine warfare."
Simultaneously, Illusionist waved, casting light screens covering fleet airspace, confusing vision and disrupting perception. Seemingly casual actions displayed veteran Holy Relic's vast magical power. From this commotion, nearby Hermit Island also became shrouded in clouds—marking this super fortress entering enemy engagement state. Both sides had no contact yet coordinated with each other.
They all knew how disadvantageous encountering enemy home attacks during ocean voyages was—fleets were just leaves on water. Once falling overboard meant eternal damnation—must be careful.
Sonar alarms grew more urgent.
"Report—something large is passing through core zone waters, about to enter visual range—"
"Wrong—that guy definitely has concealment abilities, otherwise so many people's perception would have discovered it long ago. Don't trust that broken machine."
Kale suddenly slammed the table, releasing invisible magical power lifting everyone's bodies slightly.
Then the aircraft carrier suddenly shook violently. A whale-shaped bubble leaped from port side, carrying super-heavy seawater with unclear true form, but collision volume reached startling 400 meters length, 70 width, screeching as it emerged from sea, casting sky-blocking shadows over the entire fleet.
Too big!
It was more like an aggregate—bubble currents carrying countless Disaster Beasts. This was sonar detection truth—opponents excelled at concealment, directly breaking through to fleet center.
Almost instantly, close-in weapons, missiles, and rockets greeted it. Rumbling explosions made massive water bubble surfaces disintegrate, scattering several Disaster Beasts falling straight onto decks with bared fangs and claws. Though elite forces moved fast enough, rhythm was still disrupted. Fleet speed had to slow while more Disaster Beasts began gathering in the distance, clearly presenting encirclement.
"Careful—this guy's aura is stronger than Boss Disaster Beast." Speaking, Kale leaped from command room.
Container 60% power, magical power external release!
Airborne punches raised storms, dispersing water bubbles without giving internal Disaster Beasts landing chances—all crushed by invisible force.
Exquisite Origin manipulation was her specialty. This instant's explosive power she unleashed forcibly sent this carrier-comparable water whale flying, finally removing flagship threats.
But immediately the airborne whale revealed true form: a double-headed shark. More terrifyingly, it instantly mobilized magical power aggregating light streams.
Terrible—this high-energy reaction could probably penetrate decks, meaning total annihilation.
Boom!
Blinding light made everyone's hearts tremble, yet suddenly feeling headaches and confusion, vision seemingly experiencing frame-skipping violations. Looking again, clearly Magical Girl Hyacinth flew slowly in air while monsters flew backward crashing into sea.
"Time Pause." Josh, who'd experienced this before, rubbed her temples: "Otherwise this ship would probably sink."
Hibiscus loudly reminded: "It's high-tier Disaster Beast Water Monster—you should understand, right? Intelligence atlases avoided appearance descriptions to prevent excessive poison, but specific performances were written. Be careful—it's among the most troublesome enemies in naval battles. The key is actually injuring the main body."
Though stronger than during catastrophe wars, she didn't dare be overconfident.
Fallen Zones bred completely different new mutant Disaster Beasts, overturning many past patterns—like more grotesquely deformed bodies with greater vitality.
Oceans wildly surged with whirlpools. Double-headed sharks actually appeared in several copies while powerful Origin magical power jumped between them.
Now everyone understood why Hyacinth didn't directly eliminate enemies—because this monster still wasn't the main body, or had 4 options, each capable of instant strengthening.
Oceans crashed and roared with violent turbulence, howling winds, energy condensing here. This time Water Monster learned—it wouldn't act rashly against the unfathomable silver-haired Magical Girl. That time aura ability was very troublesome—just keep hiding. Simply condensing power in sea, then super-high-energy light spheres climbed skyward. Once scattered, enough to bury fleets.
"Really hot to swallow."
Fully transformed World Serpent swallowed light spheres whole. Next moment, explosive energy bloomed in its belly, stretching its body like an angry pufferfish.
Yet after one breath, nothing happened. Only seven-orifice-smoking Jin Yulu laughed heartily: "First time smoking—strong enough! But I hate secondhand—you try too."
Dragon breath shot into whirlpools causing rumbling explosions. Hundreds of tons of seawater evaporated instantly with pouring rain and warship turbulence.
Both sides' simple exchange seemed like throwing cloud bombs into fleet centers. Shockwaves beat eardrums—gritting teeth helped somewhat.
Nobody expected battles with high-tier Disaster Beasts to begin so quickly!
Within mere breaths, three top experts—Pharmacist, Lyra, Golden Dragon Emperor—successively acted to suppress. Casual yet restrained movements were perilous, with erupting shockwaves capable of overturning warships.
Island command received new communication frequencies: "This is Dandelion—come to Hermit Island clouds. It's relatively safer here."
"Departing immediately."
After Josh answered, she ordered fleet formation adjustments. Anyway, both sides always sailed together at constant speeds—movements would be quick.
Enemies never gave good opportunities. Almost as carriers turned, hundreds of Disaster Beast figures leaped from sea, forcibly attacking propellers with flesh to reduce speed. Ordinary creatures would naturally be shredded, but Disaster Beasts were renowned for physical qualities—invulnerable to blades and fire. Advanced Fallen Zone new mutants were rock-solid, forcibly slowing fleets.
Elite forces drawn from worldwide weren't stupid either—each providing covering fire while advancing through shell baptisms. Battle situations gradually clarified.
Centered on Hermit Island would form key protection—Disaster Beasts must break this point.
Conversely, military must prevent this.
Realizing this, both sides unhesitatingly began speed races. Fleets and Hermit Island moved toward each other while Disaster Beast armies tried intercepting midway, especially Water Monster raising tsunamis roaring to destroy everything.
"Invaders—don't think having some skills lets you survive here. This is the most terrifying ocean."
Vast mental impacts crashed into minds from high-intelligence high-tier Disaster Beast pressure sweeping outward. Then with absolute home advantages, it instantly manipulated 10-meter-class giant waves with surface undulations like mountain collapses. Such power shocked fleets, unable to advance.
It now wielded freely with hearty satisfaction. Disaster Beast's unique violent blood boiled, accompanied by high roars forming round after round natural disaster-level attacks.
"Wonder how I compare to your so-called Blood Tsunami?"
"Far inferior."
Kale sneered coldly. With hand waves, magical power completely released externally, constructing barriers covering thousands of meters, restricting energy centers.
Seeing this, Hibiscus became interested—this shared similarities with corresponding Blooming Stage technique Origin shaping, representing brilliant talent levels.
Worthy of netizen-recognized first Origin Magical Girl, developing single elements to perfection, not losing to any top Magical Girls. Instead, she should observe and learn more—enough to inspire next-stage Origin development. Indeed, this trip wasn't wasted.
She said condescendingly: "Guy who only dares hide in water—you're the first trophy."
Time Slash, rapid fire!
Hyacinth pressed palms together, using hair ornament Regalia's mental precision, glove Regalia's magical precision, whole-body Origin infusion, finally adding Sands of Time's offense. Energy surged, stirring silver hair.
Fine threads descended from heaven, falling straight into sea. Each thread cut water with blades—every move lethal, firmly locking Water Monster's 4 bodies.
Most precise cutting left it covered with wounds, vitality rapidly draining. It wailed and rolled yet couldn't escape, blood dyeing seas, only enduring through tumor reserves.
Centered on Hibiscus, heaven and earth connected by threads.
Continuously condensing Time Slashes caused surrounding spatial refraction—colorful, deadly hues.
Such shocking scenes impacted people's worldviews. No matter how viewed, these attacks consumed enormously, yet in Hyacinth's hands moved like limbs—effortless, unimaginable. Yet high-tier Disaster Beasts also demonstrated their powerful support. Those bodies struggled and twisted without collapsing intention. After one round of Time Slashes, flesh peeled away, full of severed limbs, yet hoarse roaring didn't stop.
Even so, the overall situation was decided—anyone could see Water Monster, even with reserves, had one stage completely beaten, like candles in wind.
Hibiscus's further advanced magical power displayed frightening killing efficiency.
"Let's roast."
Following attacks came from Jin Yulu. World Serpent opened its mouth releasing rolling flames at temperatures so high air had no moisture, directly hitting targets producing adhesion that stuck to Water Monster, continuously burning.
Simultaneously, Kale's magical barriers suddenly contracted, compressing its remains—effects comparable to powerful telekinesis.
She said disdainfully: "Idiot—you don't think you can fight all three of us?"
Water Monster wasn't necessarily fighting alone—backup support was insufficient. It glanced resentfully at the distance where fleets, Hermit Island, and Disaster Beast groups fought chaotically without distinction—scrambling with flying flesh and blood. Where was tactical organization? Clearly agreed arrangements couldn't be executed—too disappointing.
It witnessed Magical Girls with exquisite magical techniques and orderly formations becoming killing machines with efficiency so high even fleets became assistants.
Two systematic combat forces collided. The side with cliff-like organizational advantages immediately gained suppression, gradually converting to victory... Terrible. Unlike past idiots charging to their deaths, even from Disaster Beast perspectives, opponents were clearly well-trained with flexible advance and retreat—not weaklings manageable through single surprise attacks.
Conversely, human experts were overly cautious.
Three people in sky each had immeasurable Origins plus unfathomable magic, even possessing exaggerated time attributes, yet liked cooperating in groups!
But it also held trump cards. Even if inferior to hegemons, high-tier Disaster Beasts had foundations—so dared gamble everything.
"You haven't experienced this region's Disaster Beast power." Four double-headed sharks devoured each other while countless Disaster Beasts joined ranks: "Our flesh never disappears—only aggregates into new life—"
"Stop it!"
As someone with keen Origin perception, Kale had no time for explanations, leaping into continuously devouring Disaster Beast centers.
She used most direct brutal force interrupting fusion processes. Prepared Water Monster also fought back, constructing heaven-to-earth water tornadoes superior to before, stirring all directions with howling winds. Even Kale had to avoid its edge. Just as she hesitated, Hibiscus had somehow appeared beside her.
Circling World Serpent in sky attracted firepower while providing cover. Water tornado formations covering 30 kilometers radius engaged strongest mythology-type defenses in close combat.
"So you can sense the current main body, right?" Hibiscus asked calmly.
Kale pointed in one direction.
"Very weak—actually should be a heart, just through constant self-devouring conversions making flaws uncatchable. This opportunity is fleeting."
"Sufficient for me."
Hibiscus looked carefully in Kale's indicated direction, indeed finding excessive Origin reactions firmly hidden by countless Disaster Beast flesh—very cautious, yet not cautious enough, because it didn't allocate all magical power protecting the main body.
Could it be that her earlier Time Slash volleys made Water Monster think Magical Girl Hyacinth's damage levels stopped there?
Perfect—showing weakness was part of tactics.
Feeling mental power scanning, the high-tier Disaster Beast laughed: "Right—you found it, so what? Now you've completely fallen into my trap."
Because two Magical Girls were pursuing in sea, it easily mobilized tsunami-comparable giant waves surging forth—natural forces crushing everything, unstoppable. Mixed with countless Disaster Beasts including double-headed sharks it could instantly transform into main body strength, now forming whirlpools with accumulated Origin power sufficient to destroy fleets.
Yet even mighty high-tier Disaster Beasts couldn't immediately break magical barriers from two people's cooperation.
"Don't get distracted!"
Seizing the opening, Jin Yulu breathed dragon fire. Flames descended from heaven, evaporating seawater, burning countless Disaster Beast flesh to ash. This wasn't finished—excited, she swayed left and right in circles, unleashing energy without regard for consumption. No need for personal reserves—just disrupt situations. Trust Hibiscus to seize opportunities.
Terrible—seemed indeed somewhat overconfident. Water Monster secretly thought things weren't good—already unable to suppress three top experts.
Must quickly absorb all flesh for one burst to have winning chances, letting these ignorant intruders see high-tier Disaster Beasts' terror when fighting desperately.
Thud!
Suddenly Kale struck without warning. Sea surfaces split with airborne explosive passages.
She decisively acted, coordinating with distant Jin Yulu. The latter's seemingly chaotic strikes would be viewed as reckless by mediocrities but geniuses seized timing—if you dare act, I dare catch fleeting flaws.
Relative flow speed change circles! Disparate time differences captured entire scenes.
Long-awaiting Hibiscus finally unleashed completely, clapping hands to aggregate roaring Origin light, learning like Kale to only make pure releases reducing guidance, using minimal consumption for ultimate effects—now.
The silver-haired girl targeted that main body shark, seeing fear in its eyes: "My strongest attack method was never magic..."
"Because a group of people told me the same words: Only Origin transcends everything."
She effortlessly delivered light gently forward. Inch-sized glows expanded hundreds and thousands of times, rumbling and transforming into horizontal infusions whose shockwaves made oceans roll backward, exposing dried seabeds.
Magical power external release compression!
Kale, who'd demonstrated this technique recently, discovered Hyacinth faintly grasped it but not completely—mixed with other things. Regalia assistance?
No way? Three complete elements? She thought of a terrifying possibility.
Then, directly taking Hibiscus's full-power Origin attack, Water Monster was bloodied all over with continuously falling aura. Worthy of high-tier Disaster Beasts—extremely tenacious vitality. This troublesome feeling resembled facing Brain Devourers in Arctic battles requiring almost all Holy Relics, plus Fallen Zone enhancements making it superior—still had fighting capacity. But the overall situation was decided with victory scales gradually tilting.
As Water Monster struggled to maintain large-scale magical output, World Serpent restrained forms, crashing into nearby sea surfaces beside the two in half-beast form.
Just their three presences' pressure was enough to make any Disaster Beasts prepare seriously. Just now was team coordination—if you dare continue fighting, then no concern for aftereffects.
"Very durable." Hibiscus reminded.
"As a mythology type, I most understand tough types, liking defensive counterattacks, but I'll watch to give you error tolerance."
"Be careful not letting war aftereffects overflow too severely, or fleets will face danger."
If not needing to firmly suppress opponents, quick battles while avoiding friendly fire among various factors, wouldn't need three top combat forces. All to maximize error tolerance while giving enemies zero escape probabilities.
This army had no backup—so must fight every enemy until victory, otherwise any survivors returning to rally would snowball into full-area confrontations.
Water Monster gritted teeth, resentful gazes sweeping three Magical Girls' faces before maniacally laughing:
"Eat me."
This voice carried across seas, spreading rapidly like lightning—nobody could stop or predict. Who knew dignified high-tier Disaster Beasts would now unhesitatingly serve themselves on dining tables claiming to host all directions? Obsessive, terrifying, beyond words.
It invited all ambitious ones hoping for new prey—if you dare come, absolutely no slighting any diners, treating all equally.
"I said before, right? Fallen Zone flesh only increases, never decreases. We've long achieved eternity through other means." Water Monster roared maniacally: "Come—see whether you eliminate everything without traces first, or your companions get devoured clean by arriving Disaster Beasts."
Seeing this, Kale and Jin Yulu's expressions darkened.
"You talk too much."
Hibiscus's cold statement brought the two from worry, looking at her unanimously: "As long as completely taking over one dominant Disaster Beast's territory, anyone works—your kindred will at least retreat temporarily. So plans remain unchanged—completely eliminate you, block other Disaster Beasts. Leave the latter to these Allied Forces. Rest assured, we're all elite."
Clean, decisive judgment made two companions nod. Even Water Monster was dumbstruck, not expecting enemies to understand Fallen Zones so well.
No time for further thought because next moment three-fold unreserved offensives descended.
"Very good, excellent—aren't you very urgent? Try this." Water Monster devoted all power in desperate gambles, completely absorbing life-reserve tumors, becoming a plump shark.
Layers of waves wrapped itself—that powerful posture threatening entire fleets upon debut reappeared.
Deadly battle!
Three Magical Girls fearlessly met it head-on. Raging pressure leaked nothing to continuously distancing fleets. They all understood: barrel short boards were victory keys.
Once entering high-level magical creature ranks, they were often very durable with endless methods. Unless both sides were willing, top battles rarely reached quick conclusions—many-versus-few was no exception. So Hermit Island aspects were crucial—if military defeated all Disaster Beasts except high-tier ones, results would be directly declared.
Moreover, Hibiscus needed completing suggestions for gaining Kale's trust, obtaining free attribute point rewards for additional victory chances.
"You're not worthy of occupying our three people's time. Imperial Flower, go support that battlefield—having Pharmacist and me here is enough."
"Really? Quick battles are much harder than simple victories."
"Go quickly—I worry this guy will attract more dangerous Disaster Beasts."