Crackle!
After fiddling around, Jin Ruochu brought a TV while the Magical Girls looked at each other, somewhat disappointed. For some reason, though detecting radio signals, they weren't stable enough—continuous snow screens and noise throughout. Put at midnight, people might think there were supernatural phenomena.
Base No. 1 definitely used more methods to maintain communications. The Church's current methods might not suffice to receive outside information.
"Let me try." Yeta's words drew companions' attention. "My Swift Thunder has no reason it can't dispel same-element magic shielding—should work."
Magical Girl Edelweiss, full transformation.
She crouched in a sprinting position. The next moment she disappeared like an arrow from a bow, racing around the beach at Salvation Church's top speed, instantly constructing an electromagnetic field. Sand and stones under her feet burned into magic power, air filled with crackling arcs, ears bombarded with continuous explosions. With Seedling Stage Magical Girl control, magic created stable electromagnetic environments, even faintly tearing sky clouds.
Not far away, soldiers at Base No. 1 also cast curious glances. Was the Church inspired to repair communications too?
Don't forget New Allied Forces used relevant relics for cleanup. Comparing specialized functional magic didn't have advantages—high probability of failure.
Crack!
The TV screen flickered, finally showing images, along with gradually recovering sound.
Not only that—radios, walkie-talkies, even radio stations responded. Since entering the Fallen Zone, everyone had to familiarize themselves with primitive equipment, even learning Morse code and such. Now finally seeing dawn of modern information life—otherwise they'd think they were experiencing primitive living.
After running one lap, Yeta emergency-braked to a stop, thunder gradually dispersing, crackling sounds finally ceasing. Now the electromagnetic environment sufficiently supported receiving outside information.
Magical Girl companions couldn't help giving thumbs up. Turns out unknowingly Swift Thunder evolved to precise operation levels. Indeed, our Salvation Church was talented—casually someone would advance.
From another perspective, communications were troublesome enough.
If not quickly handling strongest elemental magic's runaway dissipation, future recapture wars definitely wouldn't be easy.
Suddenly the TV transmitted images: New Zealand frontline temporary command headquarters, centered on President Bull at the podium. Of course, he responded to latest battle reports as Supreme Headquarters Chief Advisor, resounding declarations spreading everywhere—
"Recently, our forces completed Disaster Beast siege operations in 70% of Fallen Zone outer areas, deploying massive biological weapons ensuring impact elimination."
Immediate applause erupted but he pressed hands indicating to stop.
"We achieved brilliant accomplishments—unprecedented accomplishments—also representing humanity's determined brave path forward, completely parting ways with past history of letting them grow stronger." Bull surveyed the circle while tightening his tie: "But we also noticed considerable losses. Daily battle reports update, so I won't elaborate. Hope everyone doesn't forget efforts and sacrifices—too many heroes practiced this great path."
"Regarding Disaster Beast siege operations, headquarters decided to temporarily suspend the offensive, ensuring control of current 70% areas while letting frontline forces rest, resupply, and maintain combat effectiveness."
"Though many voices hope to pursue victory, we should act carefully—steady progress is safe."
"Additionally—"
He opened new speech pages. Press conference reporters and Hermit Island everyone paid utmost attention. No. 2 lineup's success or failure was ultimately most crucial, directly deciding invested high-end combat power, destruction scale, expected losses, and other factors.
Everyone clearly understood fighting Disaster Beasts wasn't just comparing numbers. More or less, all experienced powerful individual pressure baptism. Catastrophe Disaster Beasts shadows still lingered.
So in some sense, Fallen Zone core circle battle situations had weathervane effects.
Bull spoke under widespread attention: "Core zones currently completed first base construction. We'll establish reliable strongholds."
Hearing this, most people breathed relief.
"Moreover, headquarters achieved stable contact. The first backup fleet is en route, assisting No. 2 and 3 base defensive line construction. Most importantly, losses were small—completely within controllable range. Expeditionary forces still retain solid combat effectiveness."
"This point must thank Salvation Church's strong assistance. At critical moments, they withstood pressure, even once protecting expeditionary fleets' withdrawal to safe zones."
"Some voices are very concerned about this organization, but the Church responded with actual actions. I never regret this cooperation. Regardless, they're indispensable parts of the great Disaster Beast resistance front, unquestionably foundational forces of this recapture war. Even if times change and headquarters changes, achievements remain inscribed in history. In conclusion, both sides' cooperation will continue deepening."
Bull's expressionless face showed no smugness, but his attitude revealed answers—strongly counterattacking opponents.
I won the bet.
Boasting about oneself was somewhat inferior, gilding one's face undesirable. Better give Salvation Church good publicity. Now his status, prestige, and accomplishments are sufficiently guaranteed. Moreover, would the world's number one supernatural organization care about these things? Just be the first to congratulate.
Audiences also understood—couldn't embarrass him. So they applauded and cheered, both for President Bull and genuinely thanking allies' huge contributions.
"What about the Church's whereabouts?" Finally a reporter asked.
"According to the latest news, Base No. 1 garrison and the Church have separated. The latter is heading en masse to Fallen Zone depths."
"Aren't you worried?"
"I'm indeed concerned, but I also choose to believe allies who've consistently created miracles. They should break the curse of no return." Bull answered openly.
Though saying this, he actually cared considerably. After all, he'd invested considerable political resources allying with the Church. If they suddenly disappeared, wouldn't that damage prestige? Even Magical Girl Organization supporters wouldn't spare revenge—just thinking about it was troublesome.
The scene immediately buzzed with discussion. Many voices even transmitted through signals—mostly distrustful, because Fallen Zone depths were too dangerous.
"So many years, simply no one could return—only unverifiable drift bottle information."
"Too bizarre—that information isolation area can't be entered."
They indeed thanked Salvation Church's outstanding achievements and understood their strength. But comparatively, Fallen Zone depths were full of unknowns, always in black box states with plenty of related malicious incidents, disturbing.
Previously, no shortage of elites grandly claiming to investigate, but without exception became sacrifices.
Seeing this, Magical Girls before the TV looked at each other. Seems the outside world wasn't optimistic about this operation—no confidence.
"Very normal."
After shrugging, Jin Ruochu continued: "Understanding from game dungeon perspective, Fallen Zone depths are full of first-encounter-kill monsters, simply unable to transmit effective information. Without intelligence, everything's wasted. Even if Dr. Mu provided intelligence, fear has been rooted in hearts too long."
The pink-haired girl was nonchalant, instead beginning to anticipate counterattacking questioning voices.
"A bunch of softies." Jin Yulu, staring at the TV screen sneered: "I see they've become further obstacles to reconnaissance teams."
"Originally I'd probably suggest reconsidering more carefully, but expedition represents fait accompli—shouldn't speak words that shake morale. So we all believe in you, Hibiscus. Everyone safely make a round trip to expand the world's horizons."
Nan Zhiyi looked directly at Hibiscus, wine-colored pupils shining brilliantly. The latter returned a confidence-filled smile.
The Magical Girls' tension also dissipated somewhat.
A bunch of laymen—how would they know how powerful Salvation Church was? Moreover, Hegemon Disaster Beasts weren't unencountered. First-encounter kills were already broken—next time should eliminate enemies.
"Don't mind those guys' discussions. Many people have ulterior motives hoping to undermine organizational prestige. Evil thoughts in hearts become other things when reaching mouths. What follows is the key point." The silver-haired girl pointed at Bull entering the reporter Q&A session on screen. "The first round recapture war is relatively clear. How the supreme commander sets the tone—if relaxing represents potentially weakened Church backup strength."
Hit the nail on the head. Only then did Magical Girls realize continued military action was important.
Setting aside high-end combat levels, at least it could share ordinary Disaster Beasts, preventing these guys from clustering too much, otherwise becoming higher-tier Disaster Beast supplements was equally worrying.
Not only did the Salvation Church need reliable news—the world watched equally, because headquarters could completely declare first-phase operations concluded.
At the press conference scene, Bull took a deep breath.
Actually he equally preferred avoiding long nights bringing many dreams. Politics emphasized seeking stability.
End it?
Thoughts flickered momentarily when suddenly he saw a pale graceful figure standing at the conference hall entrance. Somehow Snow Maiden had returned, those eyes seeming to see through hearts making Bull slightly stunned. The dignified Ancient Holy Relic shook her head—that attitude negating his unformed thoughts.
Wrong. Shouldn't ignore the fact the Church was penetrating alone. Must maintain action, at least share some pressure for the Magical Girls.
"War isn't over yet. Headquarters will continue applying pressure tactics against remaining Disaster Beasts." Bull spoke the speech content. "We advance toward victory."
Actually he only hesitated momentarily, not expecting Snow Maiden to directly take stands, also helping him make major decisions. Strange—logically, Relic Treasury and Salvation Church should be enemies, should hope they'd die.
You all like making friends through martial arts?
Bull once again felt the world changing rapidly. These people grasping exaggerated power were spontaneously forming new values:
Those of us with great power count as one group—other circles don't matter.
Very understandable. In rich people's eyes, only rich people existed. People seemingly of the same ethnicity and nationality didn't count as people—similar concepts he'd seen plenty.
A social stratum was always destined to master corresponding ideology. If past history left no traces, then create them yourself—and it was happening right now...
At the conference hall entrance, the witch rubbed her temples. Magical symbols shattered—representing emotion sensing. She murmured: "Conspiracy-filled ambitious people are annoying. Mr. Suspicious arbitrarily thought up a bunch of nonsense again, possibly unfavorable to us. Of course, doesn't matter—power is the pass. But I'm still curious why you're willing to take stands."
"Hegemon Disaster Beasts are very powerful. Must create beneficial conditions for the Church as much as possible."
"You also don't favor Magical Girls' operations?"
"Mm."
Excess reasons wouldn't appear from someone sparing words. So after giving answers, Snow Maiden stopped replying, striding away from the press conference because she disliked overly noisy, clamorous environments.
The witch as deputy also quickly followed. Just then the scene erupted in new rounds of applause—Bull formally announced continuing siege advancement until the Church returned.
Anyway, he was already labeled as sharing common enemies with Hyacinth. Might as well not be pretentious—sell a favor. The previous moment still calculating escape, the next moment deciding high-profile publicity. This journey of thoughts needn't be shared with outsiders—turning faces like turning pages counted as basic skills.
More importantly, he discovered a trend: many powers were gravitating toward the Salvation Church.
Though Hyacinth never attempted imposing rule outside Magical Girl circles, outsiders were increasingly attracted instead.
This was a realm of non-action. Actively operating Churches were becoming symbols, signs, even beliefs. If he retreated, that halo would fade. Realizing this, Bull broke into cold sweat—nearly chose wrong.
People absolutely cannot be short-sighted.
In some sense, he should thank Snow Maiden's timely reminder, otherwise it would become lose-lose situations.
Regardless of how current Supreme Headquarters actual authority Bull calculated, as "South Pacific Theater Forces will continue advancing recapture wars" news spread, the world boiled with high fighting spirit. Moreover, the Church had already charged ahead—no reason to just watch teammates risk danger.
Bull increasingly celebrated correct decisions.
Instead, it left Croft and other military leadership confused. Why so excited? Regardless, they had to act longer anyway—Josh's side wasn't stable.
Strictly speaking, it indeed wasn't finished, because core zones having only 1 military base was completely insufficient. Planning required 3 for safety.
Since so, staff groups unhesitatingly decided massive reinforcements.
Snow Maiden and Kale both expressed support. Subjectively, they hadn't fought enough—relic high-intensity deployment required fuel. Objectively, it ultimately helped Salvation Church, at least preventing ordinary Disaster Beasts or even core forces from over-clustering toward Fallen Zone depths. War was always complex systematic engineering, so they willingly risked their lives to accompany.
People on Hermit Island realized situation contexts, equally breathing relief. Teammates were too smart—avoided having to speak up, even though they'd prepared for solo ventures from the start.
Crack!
Signal equipment again emitted unsettling noise, obviously electromagnetic signals further deteriorating.
Hibiscus announced loudly: "That's about it. Before handling Tulip's situation, don't expect any useful contact. Hermit Island now resembles carrier battle groups entering radio silence, so our mission must match such grand displays."
"Not far from Fallen Zone depths now. Prepare yourselves—65 minutes later, the entire organization will step into half-century-long lands of no return."
Finally coming!
Saying they weren't afraid of Fallen Zone depths would definitely be lying, but besides fear, Magical Girls faintly anticipated—increasingly strong, hearts pounding wildly.
How could magic creatures not yearn for high-concentration suitable environments inside? Refreshing and exhilarating, blood surging—simply like fish in water. Though still an hour's journey, they felt excited magic power calling from all directions. The stage was set—just waiting for you.
Of course, behind various emotions represented unprecedented danger.
Creatures soaked in high-magic environments for years were definitely extraordinary, would 100% demonstrate might. Comparatively, they still needed adaptation.
Time passed minute by minute in tension...
Sure enough, 60 minutes later Hermit Island reached storm circle peripheries, like walls erected on sea surfaces, outlining heavy colors between heaven and earth. All mental sensing, radar signals, sonar, or carrier pigeons sank without responses. Reconnaissance teams' lost contact historically began here—once stepping in, no turning back. Storms were gray, carrying moisture, slapping faces making people shiver—fear or excitement unknown?
Whoosh!
Pink magic power enveloped everyone. People looked in that direction—Jin Ruochu: "New map pioneering naturally requires preparation. Follow procedures."
Hibiscus distributed diluted health recovery, mana recovery, and enhancement potions, holding all complete versions herself. If any danger occurred, time stop to feed near-death individuals medicine, guaranteed to pull them back.
Meanwhile, Jin Yulu was supplying energy to Ruan Xinyue through a Magical Girl capable of energy bestowal.
In terms of magic quantity, first was definitely Hyacinth, but adding recovery efficiency belonged to Protea, so she served as power bank for high-consumption individuals.
This step was crucial.
Because ultimately magic power gathered at Ruan Xinyue, then distributed save points to organization members and set several area saves.
Under high-pressure environments, Magical Girl Flowering Crabapple didn't count as combat power, but as one of desperate comeback aces. Her "reading body state saves" was comparable to Sands of Time's "leap through damage time"—even within the Church, publicly recognized as top-tier skills.
Powerful was powerful, but support effects could completely elevate skills to godly status. Whenever such times came, everyone couldn't help sighing that time magic lived up to its rarest reputation.
Similarly, other support magics were also ready, especially Anri Sakagami already maintaining Rainbow Fortress barriers. With previous fierce battle experience against Light Anemone, she maintained all-around defense, at least blocking first wave offensives.
They'd prepared series of countermeasures.
"Everyone, I'll maximize Hermit Island's defensive barriers. We're going in."
Hibiscus surveyed once, finally nodding to everyone. As she completely mobilized magic power into control cores, the entire island rumbled loudly, suddenly surging with power at full 40-knot advance. For such massive objects, it was simply carving rifts across sea surfaces—magnificent momentum.
Splash!
Hermit Island carried massive kinetic energy, plunging into storm circles. Instantly torrential rain descended, but thanks to rainbow barriers, completely unmoved.
After brief heavy rain, suddenly clear views—a gray-toned world met their eyes.
More than vision, deepest feelings were magic power inside leaping joyfully, like releasing some restraints—incomparable comfort, as if they could embrace the entire world. Looking around, waves were surprisingly calm without major undulations. Occasional black clouds in skies, periodically flashing purple lightning, even flying Disaster Beast figures. Sensing ranges were quite lively with many uninvited guests.
Fortunately they were relatively sensible. Seeing Hermit Island, they detoured to avoid—couldn't afford to provoke, forget it. Unless at least high-tier Disaster Beasts led, otherwise not worth considering.
"Elsa, did you make Disaster Beasts feel disgusted?"
Jin Ruochu asked puzzledly, but Magical Girl Chrysanthemum shook her head, equally confused.
"Hibiscus mentioned before—Fallen Zone depths have strict power balances. Creatures with islands as territories they dare not easily provoke, acknowledging these rules, naturally won't casually war with the Church." Nan Zhiyi cupped her chin: "Also means their intelligence isn't ordinary."
"Right. Ordinary Disaster Beasts encountering so many Magical Girl auras would've charged up long ago. Overcoming instincts represents superior organization."
Hibiscus's conclusion made everyone more vigilant.
Roar!
A bold Disaster Beast's roar interrupted their conversation. The opponent was aggressive, baring teeth and claws, but when Magical Girls' gazes converged, it retreated again.
Not good—why were there so many? Several powerful individuals? And why no fellow assistance?
"Dare roar at us? Dogs should restrain claws and fangs, otherwise deserve beating." Accompanying Jin Yulu's words was dragon breath. Sea water within dozens of meters burned and boiled, the target reduced to ashes without remains.
Other Disaster Beasts seeing this dared not approach. Those with some intelligence clearly understood Hermit Island was strong—best wait for powerful guys before acting.
Idiots weren't suitable for survival.
Though easily defeating provocateurs established deterrence, the group wasn't happy because enemies showed sufficient cunning, knowing advance and retreat, understanding lurking—overall more threatening. However, Magical Girls weren't idle either, quickly changing from complete defensive formations to multi-point support garrison, with some responsible for taking out various equipment monitoring hydrological conditions...
Hibiscus announced: "The Church must race against time, because our objective is merely operating in Fallen Zone peripheries—must be fast, accurate, ruthless. Then immediately begin finding people."
"Jin Ruochu and Yeta will be responsible. The former conducts location divination while transmitting magic power to the latter. Let your magic perform elemental resonance—should be able to search for similarly natured Pseudo Magnetic Fields. Additionally, Beatrice standby. Runaway strongest magic has contamination—prepare Encyclopedia purification."
Smooth command behind was deep understanding of members.
The 3 people just mentioned couldn't imagine their magic could coordinate like this—shocked beyond measure.
Originally everyone thought about how to find needles in haystacks, not expecting Hyacinth had already pondered everything, indeed making people feel secure.
"Squawk!"
Suddenly a painful screech in the sky accompanied a green shadow's vertical descent. Seeing this, Magical Girls took stances, ready for battle. Finally coming? Using large-scale air raids as greetings?
Unexpectedly, it was a green parrot Disaster Beast diving to crash into the beach. Almost instantly, several attacks locked on.
"Wait." Hibiscus waved to stop the offensive while carefully examining the uninvited guest. "Aying, timid you bringing injuries to visit should have important words, right?"
She spoke while companions were slightly stunned. What kind of name?
But unexpectedly, the green parrot did a carp-jump stand, shaking its head while loudly calling: "Quick, save people! Someone's dying, you must hurry—"