I'm losing control.
Understanding her body's condition, Magical Girl Tulip immediately grasped the whole story. She'd never tried controlling magic output because in the Fallen Zone you were always on edge—better to vent power providing deterrence to avoid pointless battles.
This floodgate-opening training let her strength rise steadily and advance rapidly, but once facing true loss of control, she was helpless. So what? It didn't matter at all.
"Very good, everything comes at just the right time. You all come together."
Accompanying wild laughter was even more wantonly blooming lightning. The girl's red hair exploded like a hedgehog, pressure rising another level. The Lurker hidden in spatial rifts clearly saw the opponent's gaze lock onto it. Strange—could actually detect it, indeed grown stronger. But dignified Hegemon Disaster Beasts also disdained continuing guerrilla warfare, simply openly canceling concealment.
It stood in the most violent magnetic field yet remained unmoved, this pterosaur surrounded by gray metallic radiance, solid as gold.
Ordinary lightning even automatically avoided the target.
Origin body protection.
Disaster Beasts were already famous for vitality. At equal levels, origins absolutely dominated, and the Lurker even faintly showed Origin Shaping stage signs, representing near-immunity to low-level attacks. So completely unafraid of minor electric leakage—at most making the body slightly numb.
"You can't wait? I'm the same—quickly, let battle begin—"
The Lurker howled skyward, its bloody maw erupting flames accompanied by sonic explosions. Energy attacks infused with massive origin shot forth with unstoppable might.
Instantly Tulip grabbed a giant rock from void, wrapping it in magnetic fields to complete acceleration. The electromagnetic cannon loaded with full magic power met the enemy. Two forces completely collided, tearing clouds apart, seawater pouring back—clearly a forbidden zone.
Nearby Disaster Beasts with insufficient strength turned to dust in one encounter. Only then did they notice attack aftermaths differed from usual.
—Pure shockwaves.
The all-out clash between Hegemon Disaster Beast and Growth Stage Magical Girl displayed boundless might, no impurities, only energy crushing everything.
White-hot radiance visible for hundreds of miles even made people feel eyeball burning.
After one round of confrontation, neither Tulip nor the Lurker gained advantage. Then both sides continued maintaining ultra-high-speed attacks. Thunder rolled across the sky with only afterimages and rainbows sweeping past—their exclusive combat level made interference difficult.
The Fallen Zone depths were shocked. Many Disaster Beasts couldn't withstand the dissipating energy tides and actively retreated—couldn't afford to provoke this top-tier arena.
Fellow hegemons naturally wouldn't just stare blankly. Since determined to jointly eliminate, they couldn't stand idly by. Therefore they also acted secretly, ensuring absolute success.
Light Domain!
A large sea anemone suddenly rose from the sea firing countless light rain. Almost simultaneously the Lurker hid in spatial rifts.
Caught off-guard, the red-haired girl was immediately hit. Vertically falling attacks pierced shoulders, arms, abdomen, and thighs, often gouging out chunks of flesh, accompanied by scorching heat flowing through blood vessels as if to burn the body dry. In one encounter she was bloodied, life force rapidly declining, even eyelids growing heavier. Though regenerating with full effort, this moment was most dangerous.
Sure enough Regalia and physical training were insufficient—encountering such attacks could only rely on recovery to compensate.
When Tulip planned creating distance for time, she suddenly discovered magnetic fields within ten kilometers completely disrupted—this was Light Anemone's true objective.
Elemental magic's major advantage was constructing home field environments, both as attack means and protective shields, now all collapsed.
Before she could think further, the reappearing Lurker scattered countless eyeballs around. These things actually reflected magic attacks using lightning to capture the red-haired girl's movement trajectory like death spirits.
"No way out now, right?" The pterosaur smiled sinisterly.
"Don't be careless."
At the critical moment Tulip closed magic interrupting the opponent's tracing pursuit route, reopening within one-hundredth of a second. A thunder sword fell with mighty force in striking posture directly assaulting the Lurker—this furious strike's power was enough to severely wound the target.
Who knew the super-giant crab watching for opportunities actually leaped up carrying away its teammate, while simultaneously its huge pincers collided unreservedly with the iron sand sword.
After thunderous impact both sides retreated hundred meters, but repeatedly high-intensity battling Tulip was already gasping.
She had no time and dared not repair wounds, thus unable to stem life force loss.
How long could she last?
Important wasn't duration but seeing no end at all. Even completely allowing magic rampage, she could hardly resist four hegemons.
Fighting spirit didn't represent physical condition. Now bones felt lead-filled and immobile, excessive blood loss took away warmth, vision blurred... quite terrible, but mustering all strength she still wouldn't release magic.
Dare to come, then take my desperate attack.
Assuming such posture, the red-haired girl made Hegemon Disaster Beasts hesitate. Precisely because they understood the enemy was at her last moment, they began calculating instead.
Who should deliver the final blow? If risky, would they be devoured by the same kind? No guarantee.
Equally anxious were Departure Island's defenders. Leading Gray Wolf had brought survivors to the final highland. Continuing like this, they'd be devoured before their master. So it gave companions a look asking: should they use the last card? Because in some sense it represented everyone's foundation so far, better seek opinions. Should they destroy this land even their master cared about?
"About time—hurry and act. It's all empty anyway." Usually buddhist Otter was unexpectedly firm.
Looking at each other, they understood mutual determination. Actually nothing mysterious—as a former resort island, the land below had no shortage of infrastructure, let alone having served as oil and natural gas extraction points. Only needed to worry about protecting themselves—take care.
Though reserves were much less than before, power was still usable. Might as well perish together.
Attacking Disaster Beasts suddenly saw a sluice gate open on the highland, dark depths leading nowhere, strange smells drifting, then a spark fell in.
Thump!
The abandoned mine shaft instantly erupted with massive kinetic energy, breaking through ground layers unobstructed, even propelling rocks like meteors splashing in all directions. Even dignified Hegemon Disaster Beasts couldn't help but take notice. Actually they didn't completely understand the principle, so maintained extra vigilance, distracting attention.
Taking this opportunity, Magical Girl Tulip directly plummeted toward the burning, exploding Departure Island, wounds regenerating at alarming speed throughout her body.
As long as reaching disengagement state she had opportunities for self-healing—absolutely couldn't waste chances companions fought for.
"Run far away."
Hurriedly Gray Wolf still had leisure to drag Otter's plump body rolling from the highland, simply tumbling to the foot of the mountain. Fortunately the explosion-caused chaos went unnoticed by Disaster Beasts.
The abandoned mine shaft's great explosion triggered series of chain reactions, the entire island's foundation collapsing, directly burying countless Disaster Beasts.
Not to mention continuous explosions destroying surroundings, some splashed stones even made Hegemon Disaster Beasts irritably sweep them away, involuntarily witnessing the island's sinking.
Even in the daily-warring Fallen Zone depths, this counted as major commotion.
Simultaneously all Disaster Beasts witnessed this battle's undisputed protagonist—Magical Girl Tulip actively plummeting into the mine shaft's blown gap, simply using heavy explosions to protect herself, making even hegemons difficult to pursue. At least temporary success—as long as breathing room existed, even a little was good. Had to admit the opponent's survival desire was strong, indeed tough enough, but the overall situation wouldn't change. Risking danger entering mine shafts was almost suicidal—had she given up...
Crack!
Lightning thick as North American giant sequoias reappeared, connecting mine gap directly to sky. That pressure stirring wind and clouds went from low to calm—the aura belonging to Magical Girl Tulip continued recovering. She wasn't planning to live—going all out.
"Stop delaying." After warning several companions, the sixteen-legged crab actively landed on the island, like a land battleship steamrolling beachhead jungles.
Simultaneously Light Anemone approached closer, firing range covering the entire island.
The Lurker circling overhead stared at the ground. With such high-mobility assassination types stationed, any target couldn't leave one step, let alone the opponent being on her last breath.
Then sea surface erupted in giant waves.
The final Hegemon Disaster Beast that had observed long finally departed, revealing its true form as an irregular mountain of flesh, surface covered with various sized eyeballs writhing.
Such distinctive appearance counted as monster even among Disaster Beasts—fellows with slightly insufficient strength were even scared unconscious by the pressure.
Four high-tier Disaster Beast elites surrounded Magical Girl Tulip in blockade formation.
By now she no longer hoped to escape alive—death threats came so urgently. But too many life-and-death experiences in Fallen Zone living, often ending in escape. Today couldn't escape, didn't need to escape.
Boom!
Thunder fell into the mine shaft, then a red-haired figure slowly floated up. Almost at the moment of appearance, an iron sand sword spanning hundreds of meters descended together.
Risking all strength, fastest strike, target was Armored Artillery posing greatest threat.
That armored shell was difficult to conquer, but under Pseudo Magnetic Field enhanced perception, weak joint parts were clearly exposed. Weaknesses were fleeting—with other hegemons' attacks descending, only one chance. Though just an instant, it stretched long. Tulip felt her body transforming into another dimensional being.
Sword flash, thunder roar, blood spattering the sky.
No one on scene saw this strike clearly—no, accurately speaking the attack trajectory was very clear but completely unstoppable. The next moment one of Armored Artillery's crab pincers was severed, cut surface smooth without obstruction. Having achieved effect, Tulip's momentum didn't decrease, sweeping sword light making surrounding enemies retreat—after all, they didn't think they could match the hardest Disaster Beast in defensive power.
"A bunch of idiots—she's getting stronger. Must restrict her." Hundred Eyes, usually sparing words, hated their lack of progress. With a thought, countless eyes scattered airborne reflecting elemental magic.
As long as magic had outward property changes, it could reflect them, especially elemental types.
Chaotic magnetic field environments forced Tulip to stop rapid movement, but she felt the next stage wasn't far. Could the body really become "energized"? No time to experiment—that magical experience disappeared again.
"Go die." Instantly completing finger reattachment, Armored Artillery immediately pounced, left arm seeming to carry storms.
"These words are for you too—"
Both unhesitatingly collided, continuing the previous hegemon competition, each harboring intense hatred erupting power. Thunder and light cannons churned together.
The first contact cracked earth exposing mine shafts, forcibly collapsing hundreds of meters burying countless Disaster Beasts.
The second contact spread shockwaves to island peripheries raising huge waves, along with tearing sky clouds revealing heaven, as if this sunless place wanted to break free from restraints.
Any creature witnessing such might had to retreat—combat levels were too high. Slightly careless involvement meant death or serious injury. Even the fighting pair also wavered continuously, especially Armored Artillery actually couldn't feel previous suppression over Tulip.
How long had it been?
Since last time just days passed, yet during this period the mere Magical Girl's continuous strengthening made self-imposed suppression difficult.
"Too bad you're too severely injured—meaningless."
Before words ended, a sudden heavy cannon breakthrough electromagnetic barriers viciously struck Tulip full on. Instantly she heard cracking sounds beside her ears, body losing support flying back embedded in ruins.
Almost simultaneously the Lurker extended claws from spatial rifts piercing her chest. The wound flowed black blood, life force rapidly dissipating like sand in hand—couldn't grasp it.
The other two Hegemon Disaster Beasts locked pressure. As a severely wounded person, she couldn't move again.
The red-haired girl found a comfortable position half-lying against broken walls, witnessing threats ahead with sinking heart and extremely cold expression.
Couldn't escape doom...
Suddenly her eyes brightened—magic that should have been abandoned showed operating signs again. This scene made Hegemon Disaster Beasts impatient. Why so tenacious? One Magical Girl understood fighting to the last moment better than Fallen Zone Disaster Beasts.
But soon they realized something: reinforcements?
Hundred Eyes scolded: "Dead crab, quickly use maximum attack to vaporize this guy—"
Then the world in Tulip's eyes lost color, all things frozen, all phenomena still, almost making her think she'd gone to the underworld, until her bloodied delicate body was carefully lifted by a pair of hands. Using the last trace of strength to raise her head, there was a military-uniformed Regalia Magical Girl with silver hair past her waist—quite divine solemnity in this environment.
Hibiscus took out complete large health recovery potion indicating cooperation. Sensing rich life force, the latter immediately nodded, opening her mouth to let the mellow liquid enter her throat.
Super-speed regeneration!
Surging life energy forcefully ignored all severe wounds repairing the user's body. In time-stopped 10 seconds, she recovered seventy to eighty percent—at least had some self-protection ability.
"The main reinforcement force is still behind, so I need to delay alone for a while. During this you must protect yourself."
"They're very strong—cooperating together, anyone would be briefly defeated..."
Before Tulip finished speaking she sensed the silver-haired girl's aura surge, instantly breaking through Growth Stage. Little did she know Hibiscus had already taken large enhancement potion.
The next moment pause was released.
Simultaneously system prompts rose in her mind: [Completed Suggestion "Enter Fallen Zone Depths" Reward: Medium Magic Advancement Stone Fragment ×1] Then another [Suggestion "Save Magical Girl Tulip" Reward: Medium Magic Advancement Stone Fragment ×1]
Two consecutive times—seemed today breakthrough was unavoidable.
The instant dizziness rose, Hegemon Disaster Beasts immediately realized something wrong. With their acuity they knew without looking the person had vanished. Sure enough, a hundred meters away on a small hill, a silver-haired girl with her back to them slowly set down Tulip.
Clearly just a moment yet the dying person regained vitality, even having combat ability. Was this also a magic skill?
"I've heard of you—quite famous. Magical Girl Hyacinth."
The Lurker's slightly mocking tone went unanswered as the opponent didn't engage at all, not even turning back while continuing to help Tulip construct electromagnetic barriers for protection. After finishing a moment later.
It wasn't that the four hegemons were unwilling to charge up, but knew encirclement was useless. Just now rescuing someone from under their noses already proved time magic's reputation was well-deserved. From this it was easy to deduce creating superficial many-versus-one but actually one-on-one situations. If the latter, who could explain Hyacinth's exaggerated aura? For years hegemons first experienced life-level crushing—enemies came from higher tiers.
Very frightening.
Little did they know repeatedly training Hyacinth had nearly reached Growth Stage attribute peak average of two thousand, already belonging to same-tier invincible, not counting magic.
After taking large enhancement potion, constitution, magic power, spirit, speed, and strength averages reached around 2500 points, far exceeding Growth Stage. How could Disaster Beasts not feel pressure? Even if they'd charge up hot-headedly, they pondered whether to delay a while.
Worthy of hegemons—indeed sharp enough.
Just one glance understood Hyacinth currently was in some unknown explosive state, definitely having expiration periods. Better temporarily avoid the edge or suffer major losses.
The silver-haired girl actively spread both hands seeming completely unguarded: "Why not attack? I'm waiting for reinforcements—what are you waiting for?"
Hearing this, Disaster Beasts immediately felt humiliated.
To besiege Magical Girl Tulip, everyone set aside prejudices through several rounds of interest exchanges to reach consensus. Yet during actual combat they still schemed against each other. Results dragged into current situations—too frustrating, very regretful.
Hibiscus provocatively beckoned, but momentarily no Disaster Beast dared approach.
Facing momentum-building, peak-condition Hyacinth, no one could be bold. The enemy's reputation was too great, and face-to-face discovery found rumors were still modest. Besides, don't forget Tulip was rapidly recovering. If one speedster plus one time-type attacked a hegemon together, could they withstand it?
"You're afraid but I'm not."
Sixteen legs drove mountain-like body pressing forward. Armored Artillery said with interest: "So you're the strongest among Magical Girls?"
"All false reputation—I don't dare claim it. Plus I haven't seen all Magical Girls. Perhaps others exist who are superior."
Honest statements instead made Hegemon Disaster Beasts slightly stunned. By convention shouldn't she unhesitatingly accept? Yet you're still so rigorous and modest—very special, completely different from flamboyant, ostentatious Tulip. But if Hyacinth claimed second, no one dared claim first.
"Those captured humans acknowledge your status. Even cultivation grounds spread your name. Feel proud then—so eating you will make me number one strong."
Before words ended, massive pincers shot forth like cannonballs, wind pressure seeming to lift the earth.
What to do?
This instant several response plans flashed through Hibiscus's mind. Flexible time magic could easily dodge, counter, or clash head-on, but all were wrong.
Origin condensation full release—
The energy-filled delicate fist seemed slender yet stubbornly collided with the Disaster Beast. Upon contact both origins rubbed explosively at zero distance—blinding light, violent winds. In the stalement moment Hibiscus actually advanced one step, the girl's silver hair wildly dancing, figure suddenly pushing the enemy like a strong bow fully drawn forcefully shoving the target away. A world-shocking scene unfolded: the Hegemon Disaster Beast famous for individual strong attacks was actually knocked flying in head-on collision.
The world-renowned Sands of Time wasn't even used—one Magical Girl relied purely on origin to repel the enemy.
"So what are you sneaking around for?"
Then Hibiscus turned with a spinning kick precisely hitting the Lurker leaping from spatial rifts, right on the chin. Transmitted force exploded the pterosaur's entire mouth, blooming sky-filling blood rain making it retreat in shock.
Too exaggerated—clearly choosing moments when old strength was spent and new strength not yet born, yet seamlessly connecting without any decline. This force carried life-threatening power.
"Idiots, it's time stop! She continuously intervals pauses during close combat creating opportunities for herself. Quickly distance yourselves." Hundred Eyes warned.
"That's useless too."
—Time Slice full-area coverage!
Invisible slashes surrounded Hundred Eyes' flesh mountain body from all angles. Continuous cutting made it cry out, visibly being forcibly dismantled and shrunk. It couldn't understand why enemies could still precisely strike from such distances.
Simply like butchering oxen with meticulous detail, every cut hit weak points, preventing rapid regeneration recovery.
"Wrong, this guy is very wrong. Just now was origin, now magic—how are both so strong? Really awakened less than a year?"
"Then weakness is still defense—another paper-made one."
Light Anemone bloomed countless golden raindrops sweeping from low altitude—its fastest attack method. Whether penetration, speed, or explosion all belonged to first-class levels. Even entire fleets would instantly perish—the target's fate was almost visible.
The top damage dealer's instant action drew all attention. At this moment the other three Disaster Beasts fully locked pressure to prevent Hyacinth from entering time freeze for evasion.
However, completely unexpectedly she raised both hands before her body in blocking posture directly meeting the light rain. More terrifyingly, Regalia firmly protected her body preventing attack penetration. Telekinesis from hair ornaments, magic manipulation from gloves, and damage reduction from upper garments simultaneously activated, completely weakening the assault. Additionally, thick origin resisted further damage, let alone current physical strength matching same-level Disaster Beasts.
Completely unharmed!
Surrounding explosions roared, debris scattered, flames soared, only reflecting Hibiscus's steady smile.
Most dumbfounded was Light Anemone. Originally thinking previously encountered Magical Girl Protea was hardest, but today another Hyacinth appeared. The seemingly simple blocking posture actually mobilized all Regalia energy plus protective origin—impossible.
The silver-haired girl suddenly swung her hand, actually tearing apart the light rain. Within a hundred meters were sizzling melted deep pits, only her footing remained unmoved.
Turns out Light Anemone's attacks could not only be blocked but also scattered!
A few simple exchanges yet they couldn't handle the enemy. Instead, their side all suffered varying degrees of injury. Incomprehensible—even dignified Hegemon Disaster Beasts lost confidence.