Hermit Island Disaster Beast zone, deep in a dark cave.
The ground suddenly manifested a magic array, then threw out Nan Zhiyi and Jin Ruochu. The two girls still had grass-woven blankets covering them. Drowsily thrown into an unfamiliar area—pitch black, unable to see their hands before their faces. Worse, the dizziness from spatial teleportation hadn't adapted yet.
Meanwhile, rustling sounds came from the darkness, though they quieted somewhat after the two instinctively deployed Regalia.
Nan Zhiyi recovered first, immediately pulling her companion against a solid stone wall. Countless Disaster Beast auras appeared in her sensing range—they were surrounded.
"What's the situation?"
The thick-nerved pink-haired girl finally realized something was wrong, sleepiness completely gone.
"...Remember Hibiscus mentioning current spatial relics have random teleportation phenomena? Unfortunately, we happened to teleport into a cave occupied by Disaster Beasts—truly surrounded on all sides."
Jin Ruochu's body emanated magic power as she said firmly: "Don't get tangled up in prolonged fighting—leave quickly."
Then she was dumbfounded. When magic-generated light sources illuminated the surroundings, there were countless interconnected cave mouths like a honeycomb—which led to the surface?
Not to mention the surface—not getting lost would be burning incense gratefully.
The underground cramped, dark, damp environment reeking of foul odors made them unbearable, like being buried alive. Worst of all, Disaster Beasts kept approaching from all around—each showing teeth and claws, even having insect characteristics, making them more disgusting. Whether aesthetically or physiologically revolting, they were among the most hated enemy types for magical girls.
"Calm down—first figure out the general direction to avoid rushing around like headless flies during breakout."
Nan Zhiyi licked her palm, letting some saliva flow down, then raised her arm high facing each direction to test. With magical girls' keen senses, she could detect weak air currents.
As she carefully checked, a group of weasel-like Disaster Beasts appeared in the darkness—not large but numerous, looking menacing.
"These writhing, crawling guys are really disgusting."
Jin Ruochu slightly released pressure, but the dispersal effect grew worse. Even weak Disaster Beasts, once numerous, would embolden each other to swarm.
Crack!
Suddenly the stone wall cracked, pieces falling. Black water like liquid yet seeming densely packed squeezed through gaps. Then the entire cave rumbled—the Disaster Beasts before them grew more agitated, wary of both magical girls and some unknown threat.
Nan Zhiyi suddenly pointed in a direction: "The exit is that way."
"Magic-devouring worms are coming!"
Jin Ruochu lunged, knocking away the Dandelion girl. Almost simultaneously, the black torrent missed them and fought with Disaster Beasts. The two looked at each other with lingering fear expressions—unimaginable what would happen if bathed by these microorganisms.
Previously when Hibiscus repeatedly warned about large numbers of magic-devouring worms lurking in ground layers, they hadn't taken it too seriously. Now they felt chills throughout—this stuff was too disgusting.
Nan Zhiyi joined her right index finger and thumb, mobilizing magic power to activate minimal domain enveloping both, leaving only foot space.
She shouted sternly: "Run at full speed."
"Understood."
No sooner spoken than both girls rapidly advanced under starry background shells.
The Small Universe's outer repulsion field squeezed open soil layers, rushing along cave exits. Those Disaster Beasts and magic-devouring worms attempting attacks couldn't penetrate the defense and had to retreat, simply choosing to follow from afar like patient hunters stalking prey.
Though the two ran frantically, they soon encountered even more numerous branch passages. Nan Zhiyi, knowing only general direction, paused slightly.
"This is bad—now I can't carefully distinguish wind direction..."
"I have a method."
Jin Ruochu took out a branch: "Heaven spirits, earth spirits, please guide me and Miss Nan Zhiyi's direction, then reunite with companions. You can definitely do it—when it comes to luck, we won't lose. Go, little branch—I choose you."
Then she threw it casually, pointing in the direction the branch tip faced.
Though the entire process was absurdly comedic, Jin Ruochu confidently pulled the Dandelion girl running continuously. Soon they heard tremendous sounds.
The ground shook unceasingly with thunder and lightning explosions. Wind grew stronger, explosions deafening. They immediately understood they weren't far from the surface, but for some reason the island emanated magic-suppressing pressure making breakthrough difficult. Something seemed to be fighting the island's defenses—faintly hearing someone call their names... Causing such commotion must be Jin Yulu—the World Serpent magic's massive size was indeed suitable for server-wide broadcast.
Unfortunately, it soon returned to quiet.
Nan Zhiyi concluded: "Should be Hibiscus calling her off—otherwise if the island counter-attacked, even mythical magic couldn't hold."
"This should be good news—at least we're grouped in pairs with no one alone." Jin Ruochu breathed easier and suggested: "Should we go reunite? Though the rock layers ahead are troublesome, moving quickly should catch up."
"Can't catch up."
"Why?"
"The primary mission is gaining island control. For Hibiscus temporarily unable to find companions, going to the ruins village is optimal. They should fly over."
As they spoke, soil layers suddenly rumbled and collapsed, countless cracks appearing underfoot. The two only managed to grab each other before falling deep with rocks the next moment. In an instant, Nan Zhiyi released Small Universe trying to rise via reaction force, but the next moment countless white spider silk drilled out around them, sticking to their bodies. The opponent yanked hard, nearly making them lose balance and fall deep into the cave.
Finally almost climbing out, they were back to square one. Moreover, the true overlord appeared in the darkness.
A spider with a torso comparable to an elephant squeezed from the cave depths, countless silk threads extending around it like puppet strings controlling various Disaster Beasts—unknown numbers, unknown limits. Dense compound eyes stared at the two girls with eager desire.
"Hiss—"
Jin Ruochu said blankly: "That wouldn't be the spider Dr. Mu marked on the map, would it? We encountered the big boss?"
"Stop spacing out—engage the enemy."
Nan Zhiyi flicked a magic beam, but it was blocked by numerous Disaster Beasts controlled by the Evil Eye Spider. They swarmed endlessly—continuing this away-game battle would definitely drain them to death.
After a few simple rounds, the girl understood the situation was hopeless. Small Universe domain could fit everyone inside but simultaneously squeezing open underground rock layers consumed too much and risked overturning.
She quickly said: "Jin Ruochu, divine the path from underground passages to ruins village again. We'll kill our way through directly."
"I must clarify—that's not divination but leaving it to fate."
The pink-haired girl casually picked up a stone, infused it with fortune, then threw it to indicate direction—success or failure depended on this.
...
Hermit Island central area, ruins village zone.
Noon sun illuminated countless Disaster Beast corpses on the ground. After magic strikes, most were incomplete, but as long as movement wasn't affected, they continued fighting stubbornly. Even missing arms and legs didn't prevent using teeth as weapons—as long as those unknown control threads remained, these puppets had no exit.
Jin Yulu circling in the air had minimal effect from several rounds of magic barrage rain. The girl gritted her silver teeth in frustration.
"...I haven't reached the instructor's level of area damage with Origin alone."
"It won't work." Hibiscus, floating nearby, warned: "Conserve strength and clear slowly. Though Jin Ruochu and Nan Zhiyi's side is definitely urgent, if we over-consume, everyone's finished."
"Are we going to keep trading attrition with the immortal puppet legion?"
"We must find the Evil Eye Spider by following control threads."
Though Hibiscus said this, after observation she couldn't find traces. These Disaster Beasts all had control reactions in abnormal numbers, forcibly slowing investigation efficiency.
Knowing specific enemy mechanisms didn't mean easy victory. If the Evil Eye Spider was determined to hide underground, that would be troublesome. Moreover, continuing this drag would attract more Disaster Beasts—after all, it being most threatening didn't mean others weren't eyeing them. The island had special species matching Vanguard Disaster Beasts, enough to put triple-awakened magical girls in life-threatening danger. Delays bred trouble.
After pondering, the silver-haired girl decided immediately: "I'll reduce magic reactions to lure the Evil Eye Spider to surface and hunt. You ambush and prepare to attack."
"...That's too dangerous."
"We can't get into attrition warfare with them—this is the only way now."
Though Jin Yulu had thousands of worries, meeting Hibiscus's determined gaze, she could only nod. When commanders decided to lead from the front, there was no stopping them.
On another level, Magical Girl Hyacinth deserved trust. Time magic's countless secrets gave a reassuring feeling—seemingly always able to turn desperate situations around. This time was no exception—bet on the Salvation Church's supreme leader.
Rumble!
Suddenly ground soil churned, cracking in layers, spraying countless earth and stones. Snake-like raised stone block trails proved something moving at high speed below.
The two about to fight desperately decided to wait and see—they sensed familiar auras.
In underground caves, Nan Zhiyi and Jin Ruochu currently clung to the Evil Eye Spider's massive body, stabbing repeatedly until blood splattered and it wailed unceasingly. Don't think underground was completely your home field—that was for Disaster Beasts. Dealing with magical girls in narrow, cramped caves was suicide.
"Take us up or we'll bury everyone together."
Dandelion seeds scattered with a magic strike poured hard into the Disaster Beast's body. It angrily leaped from soil layers—bright daylight, gentle breeze.
The sudden environmental change caught them off-guard. A moment's carelessness exposed vulnerabilities as both sides separated mid-air. As a battle-tested Disaster Beast, it wouldn't miss opportunities. In an instant, the Evil Eye Spider swung a tree-trunk-thick leg, serrated edges flashing cold light capable of tearing Regalia—this strike sought blood.
"Pause."
Hibiscus silently commanded—the world instantly lost color, everything still.
Time magic naturally activated anywhere anytime without skill wind-up, capable of surprise attacks and assassinations as well as stopping enemy killing moves. Like the Evil Eye Spider's zero-distance hunt—a Disaster Beast's hardest weapon strike indeed posed some threat.
She leaped through air, pushing targets Nan Zhiyi and Jin Ruochu toward Jin Yulu's direction. The enemy remained.
8 seconds left.
According to intelligence, though the Evil Eye Spider also spun silk with steel-like strength and special toughness, true manipulation required "hands."
Thanks to Sands of Time's frozen world, Hibiscus could see clearly the countless silk threads connecting to it.
More exaggerated than imagined—simply uncountable, thousands upon thousands of imperceptible threads linking the weaver, covering the entire island. More terrifying still, magical girls also had them—this was almost imperceptible gradual control, with bodies slowly being controlled over time. No wonder it had to hide—because endless puppet soldiers and island-wide traps were enough to handle enemies.
But precisely because of this, it neglected magic power body enhancement and combat ability improvement. Slackers deserved failure. Remember one rule: why spare effort when killing?
Hibiscus threw flying knives precisely hitting the Evil Eye Spider's vulnerable leg joints.
10th second—the world regained color.
Jin Ruochu and Nan Zhiyi, who thought they'd be severely injured this time, suddenly felt a force throwing them away. The next moment, Jin Yulu ahead steadily caught them both, and they immediately regained balance maintaining flight posture after recovering.
No need to guess—time magic had once again saved teammates, so Hibiscus was definitely there too.
Crack crack crack!
Turning back revealed continuous explosions—small magic output but precisely hitting every vulnerable joint of the Evil Eye Spider. Though large, under comprehensive observation and magic operation aided by ornament mental power, weaknesses were completely exposed. The pause time was enough for Hibiscus to prepare a killing blow.
Sure enough, the Disaster Beast wailed, and after dismemberment it immediately tried regeneration, but before time magic, everything was too slow.
With a squelch, a beam passed through its body, flying out a silk-wrapped heart—the Evil Eye Spider's vital point. For most Disaster Beasts, this step equaled death, but it was different. Besides the core, even the shell counted as a puppet. In other words, when opponents thought they'd defeated this thing, it could often counter-kill. This mechanism made the original storyline's Hermit Island battle full of twists, forcibly piling up intelligence with lives.
Hibiscus steadily caught the palm-sized heart.
Seeing this, the Disaster Beast immediately panicked. Despite losing eight legs, it still struggled and flailed desperately. This performance puzzled the other three magical girls.
With no obvious fatal wounds, could that heart subdue the Evil Eye Spider?
Hibiscus in transformation state tapped the hourglass ornament atop her head. Surging mental power completely suppressed the wild, hollow Disaster Beast will, thoroughly seizing heart control.
The silver-haired girl explained: "Thanks to you consuming it first, otherwise it wouldn't have been so easy. I've already injected mental power into this heart, triggering pre-era domestication techniques."
She smiled faintly at the Disaster Beast: "Since you want it, I'll give it to you."
Clap!
The Evil Eye Spider respectfully crawled over and re-swallowed its heart. Simultaneously, surrounding controlled Disaster Beasts released their guard in a submissive posture. At this moment, things domesticated in their genes and even becoming instinct revived—loyalty returning to the island's new master. A new era had arrived.
Hundreds and thousands of Disaster Beasts bowed their heads to Hibiscus in unison, layer upon layer from inside out, like pilgrims.
They could no longer be threats—even counting as excellent helpers.
If not witnessing this personally, she'd never believe Disaster Beasts could be tamed, once again proving netizen intelligence accuracy. Mere Evil Eye Spider—how do you feel now? How does it feel? Aren't you just a dog now?
Pre-era methods were incredible—capable of breeding magic-devouring worms and tameable Disaster Beasts. So "Disaster Beast invasion" wasn't the first time in history?
Or rather, the first time this historical cycle.
Hibiscus solved one issue but left more questions. However, these answers would definitely carry massive contamination—could only bury them in her heart. Anyway, she'd eliminate you all eventually.
She still didn't lower her guard, carefully confirming control over the Evil Eye Spider. Unexpectedly, once domestication techniques activated, this thing performed no differently from a robot—even suppressing predatory desire instincts toward magical girls. Or rather, generations of breeding were only to become tools. Techniques alone couldn't achieve this—definitely required extensive selection and cultivation, representing a rigorous and complex social organizational system behind it.
No wonder—actually, Planet Gaia people were used to these miraculous things, since relics were miracles incarnate.
After calm returned, Jin Yulu, Jin Ruochu, and Nan Zhiyi dared land.
"It's not over yet." Hibiscus reminded: "Not all Disaster Beasts can be controlled. Over the years, Hermit Island has had some wild Disaster Beasts flow in, diluting domestication genes. We must clear them."
No sooner spoken than sounds came from the dense forest—considerable numbers of Disaster Beasts lurked, rubbing fists and preparing palms. They didn't understand their kind's submission but that didn't prevent fighting.
Family, who understands? We agreed to hunt together but you surrendered. Looks like I have to do it myself.
"Should we fight?" Jin Yulu was eager.
"No need to waste time on them."
As soon as Hibiscus spoke, she commanded domesticated Disaster Beasts to swarm the opponents. In an instant, blood and flesh flew with people and horses tumbling. When both sides were mindless beasts, war continued until one side was completely eliminated. The small Hermit Island now welcomed colosseum slaughter.
"Why not keep some to help clear these ruin debris?" Jin Ruochu asked.
"Of course we'll keep some, but current numbers are too large. After all, upcoming island construction requires Disaster Beasts to vacate habitats, and other areas can hardly support them. Might as well let them kill each other now to reduce numbers. Besides, those uncontrolled Disaster Beasts will charge anyway—might as well let our fighters handle it." Hibiscus replied matter-of-factly.
"Your thinking is still broad."
Disaster Beasts were no longer threats, but clouds floating above the island arrived as scheduled, brewing power. Obviously, once magic output exceeded the threshold, indiscriminate suppression would follow.
If they didn't quickly obtain the control core, things would continue deteriorating.
Magical girls could sense that with Hermit Island's unprecedented series of activities over ten thousand years, the strange collaborative techniques throughout the island were overloaded. Any carelessness might blast everyone skyward. Moreover, the military might not have given up exploring Island 24.5—if concealment status was lifted, they'd have to rely on fists.
Buzz!
Suddenly dense purple runes formed totems beneath the four girls' feet, with spatial gravitational force striking.
But for alert magical girls, this was too difficult. They lightly jumped out of the array range. The next moment, violent wind stirred up dust at their original position—the entire process ended without much commotion.
"That spatial relic is how we got teleported away!"
Having seen it firsthand, Nan Zhiyi was shocked by how silent it was. No wonder she and Jin Ruochu woke up in caves after sleeping—indeed fast and concealed enough.
Jin Yulu looked pleased: "Meaning it's very useful. Such things have immeasurable military applications."
"We need to hurry—follow me."
Hibiscus recalled the mental map while flying toward the ruins village direction. Meanwhile, Hermit Island's defense mechanisms grew stronger wave by wave.
Worthy of permanent-level magic effects—power applied to the island long ago still functioned. The so-called Concealing Wind was more than making the island isolated from the world—it inherently had automatic interception functions. Clouds, thunderstorms, even sea waves in the sky became its soldiers. A mere isolated island in the sea was just a small boat. For years, Concealing Wind had buried all invaders—today was no exception.
Super-high magic concentration brewing in the air made the girls tense. Even the usually cheerful Jin Ruochu said nothing—everyone only managed searching among broken walls and ruins.
They had no time to feel reunion joy. The urgent priority was finding a crystal-like control core.
Where could it be?
Originally finding a fingernail-sized crystal in ruin debris was like finding a needle in a haystack, while also being watched by Concealing Wind. Even magical girls with mental power sensing scans felt anxious.
"Wait, look at the seaside—there's a situation!" Jin Yulu loudly reminded.
Since the debris was on the island's highlands, they could easily overlook the island's territorial waters. The sea boiled continuously with churning, accumulating power like a wok. Splash—tsunami sounds echoed with thunder cloud roars. One wave washed ashore, eliminating all magic-devouring worms within.
The seawater was problematic.
Only then did Hibiscus understand the so-called elemental magic Tranquil Water had expanded meaning—it could completely kill targets in silent stillness, yet its activation was tremendously loud.
"Don't contact seawater." She quickly warned.
No sooner spoken than Tranquil Water tsunamis had washed over the entire island's beaches. Sea level rose 1 meter, flooding into forest areas. Previous camping's few campfire traces completely disappeared. Swallowing coastlines wasn't enough—waves immediately passed through forests toward high ground, still flashing array marks mid-way. Being teleported into water meant nine deaths, one survival.
"Flying up means thunder cloud attacks—truly a dragnet. This is to block all visitors' paths."
Nan Zhiyi coldly described the dead end, but mental power exploration continued. If she had to die, she'd choose falling on the mission road.
"Though I'm not yet twenty, I've still accumulated considerable luck and can definitely protect everyone." Jin Ruochu comforted.
Splash!
However, seawater flooded to the ruins village outskirts. Now wasn't the time to care about control cores. At this moment, Hibiscus had to consider time deceleration to delay fatal attacks—but where could they hide? The island had almost no foothold—it was about to be completely submerged.
Just when extremely urgent, she saw jade-green magic power rising around her with faint spatial fluctuations—aura from fairyland, some teleportation-based magic.
The next moment, a giant tree projection covered the island.