Washington D.C.
Magical Girl Management Bureau branch office.
On the surface, it was just an 8-story building—not particularly conspicuous in a city where every inch of land was precious. However, it was the only region besides Hermit Island headquarters and Glacier Island training base that maintained long-term open dialogue, functioning in a sense as an "embassy."
Contacting the Salvation Church wasn't difficult—all major powers had dedicated hotlines. The key was that some matters required face-to-face negotiation to achieve results.
Today, the small office building was surrounded by bulletproof sedans, giving the impression of an iron protective wall, with police protection making it look like a gang arrest operation.
If it were any other organization, people would probably spread rumors like "tax evasion" or "offended important people."
But the Management Bureau was an exception.
As the second-largest legitimate violent organization in the transcendent field, expecting Magical Girls to be intimidated by mere police sirens was too ridiculous. Everyone knew these young people had explosive tempers and didn't beat around the bush with enemies.
Bull, dressed in a suit and tie, arrived at the entrance under bodyguard escort, running into a man in a black windbreaker and wide-brimmed hat.
Strangely, none of the ordinary people around paid any attention to this heavily bundled figure.
He stood there as if drawing away attention while remaining difficult to perceive—some kind of relic effect. Looking closely, one could see clerical robes beneath the windbreaker. Combined with his magic aura, the answer was obvious: ancient Holy Relic, codename Pope.
Possessing the Blessing Staff relic, he was arguably the Association's top support, with powerful healing, purification, and dispelling abilities. He maintained good relations with all parties and was highly respected.
This person leaned toward official positions and often worked in logistics, not good at combat, rarely showing his face. The rare need for the Pope's prestige to operate things, yet his face showed regret.
Not going well.
In a flash of insight, Bull had several thoughts but still smiled and greeted: "How is your health?"
"Don't worry, I'm only second to that old madman the King in age. Maybe I can outlast him." The Pope laughed heartily.
"Did you come to persuade the Management Bureau not to launch public opinion campaigns?"
"No, I specifically requested a meeting with Lord Chrysanthemum to state that not all ancient Holy Relics support confrontation. The human camp should unite in hatred against common enemies and pursue victory, quickly eliminating the Pacific Fallen Zone threat. Anyone should exercise restraint, especially since both sides have retaliated—it's time to let go."
"Sounds worth considering."
"That shrewd lady gave me no positive response at all—more evasive than Lord Miller, couldn't get any action plans out of her. This old bag of bones made a wasted trip."
The Pope maintained an optimistic atmosphere throughout but wasn't optimistic about the situation's development at all.
This statement contained a lot of information, making no effort to hide his attitude, instead revealing details in advance to the newly arrived Bull.
He sighed: "Right, the Mercenary Alliance also came to mediate. Who can guarantee that a public opinion war won't escalate with both sides getting heated?"
"Hard to say if they're all using misdirection as cover."
"Really?"
"I can't provide any reference—everything depends on your judgment." With that, the Pope waved his hand. "I need to return to my post. Whatever happens, it looks like many people will be injured—better prepare logistics resources in advance."
The windbreaker man strode away, disappearing into the crowd of onlookers with a turn.
Throughout, he showed none of the pressure of an ancient Holy Relic, as if just making small talk. Unfortunately, that back view was full of worry about the future.
"So what does Lady Pasha think? I heard you received an invitation from the Association?"
"I declined." The nun who had been waiting by the car slowly emerged. "And since the inviter was Lord Pope, it was a bit awkward—better not to meet."
As if!
Refusing the invitation while avoiding suspicion with ancient Holy Relics before meeting the Management Bureau—wasn't that clearly indicating taking sides?
An old hand is worth their weight in gold. Out of caution, Bull couldn't ignore the judgment of the senior among his confidants. With Magical Girls and Holy Relics' conflicts intensifying, choosing sides wasn't optional. In this world, one couldn't help oneself—before serious conflicts occurred, both sides had better communicate.
The two took the elevator to the top floor reception room together.
Knocking and entering, they saw 4 familiar faces:
Beside the mahogany office desk, Magical Girl Butterfly Orchid—that is, Miyuki—was pouring coffee for Miller, who was excitedly sharing experiences. The two were having a pleasant exchange.
Facing each other around the coffee table sofa were Minase Kaori and Elsa, checking through thick files.
They were the Salvation Church's backbone, even counting as second-generation leadership, able to participate in decision-making. They were the highest-ranking Magical Girls with public identities that the outside world could contact—this meeting was crucial.
"Very punctual, Mr. Bull. Good morning, and Lady Pasha too."
The one who came forward to greet them was host Elsa, with Minase Kaori also nodding in acknowledgment. However, the latter took files to the next room to be a background presence, obviously someone had to stay busy, and she just needed to be present to observe this conversation.
After everyone was seated, Miyuki brought coffee to each person. The rich aroma made them relax their guard somewhat, easing the atmosphere.
Representatives from military, Congress, and the Church gathered together, but their relationship networks were intertwined.
Not surprising.
At their level, the circle was indeed small—always seeing each other. Many so-called negotiations were "you ask me, I ask you" relationships. Thanks to everyone never having been enemies before, they could sit down and talk.
The counterexample was the Pope from Holy City Association getting no useful information, so Bull was very worried about this point, yet they all just stared at each other.
After clearing her throat, Pasha suggested: "How about we all state our interests?"
Elsa immediately nodded.
But she didn't speak, and with tacit understanding, old father Miller spoke first: "My friends only care about election results. Each point the Fallen Zone front expands increases approval ratings by several percentage points. No one wants any disturbances in the rear now. Stability trumps everything—all conflicts must yield to the cause of all humanity. Otherwise, Congress will initiate reviews of the "Mercenary Law", "Holy Relic Treaty", and "Church Rights"."
If this were normal times, everyone would laugh at official mouthpieces making such claims. Who are you? What do surface conventional forces matter?
Now circumstances had taken a sharp turn—must be judged in context:
The recovery battle boosted official forces' prestige, and taking advantage of military-mercenary unity, they gathered quite a few Holy Relics.
Right as the Salvation Church was rapidly expanding, newcomers hadn't experienced persecution and carried some patriotic sentiment toward the collective, somewhat influencing the Magical Girl Organization's ideology.
On the other side, Holy City Association had the greatest power but was divided into official and independent factions, and due to the above background, the lobbying groups' leverage was weakened, reducing control.
So who controlled the most resources now?
The official forces Miller represented might not be strong enough but could definitely influence military, mercenaries, Holy City Association, and Salvation Church—all four parties.
Backing "legitimate and vast majority" wasn't simple—too many ways to make moves. Honestly, any of the above parties could manipulate Congress, but precisely because everyone could, no one would.
Acting rashly would instead trigger multi-party wrestling matches.
In other words, because everyone had the ability to interfere with officials, no one was willing to interfere, making it the strong party instead.
"Hitting everyone with a stick?" Pasha laughed to ease the atmosphere: "Senator, you're very confident?"
"Of course, I came with Congress's mission to be responsible to colleagues. Not just the opposition party—the ruling party doesn't want unpleasantness at crucial moments either, especially with news indicating Disaster Beasts rapidly gathering along Africa's Atlantic coast, which will be very troublesome."
"So where is Congress's plan?" This time Miyuki asked directly.
"Hold it in, no fighting allowed."
At these words, even Miller laughed, since it sounded like he had no intention of solving problems. Could people at this level be intimidated by mere politicians?
The implication was that if they insisted on fighting, they must pay in interest exchanges, just that this needed private discussion, not suitable for the table.
"You're all overlooking one thing." Bull, who had been silent, said faintly: "Many call me a conspirator, and I always like to judge enemies with maximum malice. For instance, now only one party's representative isn't seated. What are we discussing behind closed doors? The friend excluded has already developed paranoid thoughts—a dry powder keg."
His sharp gaze swept over several people, almost gritting his teeth.
The Pope being turned away earlier was enough to explain the problem—the excluded force was definitely on high alert. This was Magical Girls maneuvering to force Holy City Association independents toward the militant route.
Bull shook his head at Miller beside the sofa, implying to control your daughter, but the latter pretended confusion and laughed it off.
Terrible.
"The Mercenary Alliance members still haven't stated their interests. Be frank—we can negotiate too." Elsa, who had observed for a long time, finally spoke.
"We hope to continue cooperation with your organization from the first recovery battle. We don't want my friend and another friend to be unpleasant."
"So you believe future intelligent subspecies encirclement needs the Salvation Church's power."
"The military will offer generous terms..."
"I can answer for the organization—regardless, Magical Girls will participate in the Fallen Zone center's decisive battle." Elsa said decisively: "I have Lord Hyacinth's authorization. She's already decided to completely eliminate intelligent subspecies, and naturally welcomes allies to join."
This bombshell statement left even Miller dumbfounded.
If not for considering his daughter's possible negotiation plans, he would have questioned and stopped her long ago, because Magical Girl Chrysanthemum would definitely respond to assembly orders and head to the front lines.
Too dangerous.
A single incomplete intelligent subspecies left deep impressions on the world—how much more multiple enemies?
Miller rubbed his nose bridge and took a deep breath, ultimately swallowing his doubts. Since Elsa chose this path, she had to bear the risks. How easy was it for pioneers to establish schools?
Magical Girl Butterfly Orchid looked eager to try, obviously knowing the high-level decision already.
Observing everyone's reactions, Bull was slightly stunned. Originally prepared for lengthy negotiations, he had no use at all. Just that simple?
Actually, the military valued the Salvation Church so much because repeated cooperation proved one thing: reliable. These two words were enough. When didn't Magical Girls charge ahead desperately? Advancing courageously into battle was routine.
More warlike than elite ace divisions, stronger than fusion warriors, more dedicated than ancient Holy Relics...
"Why?"
"Speaking small, the organization must ensure prestige and appeal—using Disaster Beasts as targets is best, plus there are material resources. Speaking big, we want to set an example for future generations."
"Right, understanding you through interests is too narrow—Magical Girls are becoming a people, a race, even the future era."
"Creating a good beginning—this is the Salvation Church's interest."
Elsa's sudden sincerity left everyone at a loss. Originally scheming rhetoric was all wasted—the opponent didn't play by the rules. Sincerity was the ultimate technique. But it also answered why they opposed ancient Holy Relics. Because they interfered with Magical Girls' upcoming war against Disaster Beasts—external threats required internal stability first.
Everyone knew the Church's determination was unquestionable. So far they'd charged through everything without stopping, especially with prophet Hyacinth's judgment behind them.
Seeing this, both Bull and Miller were stunned.
Negotiations stalled—obviously hoping to calm conflicts, but it became a stage for Church representatives to make declarations.
"Also, you probably don't know one thing yet: Holy City Association is trying to capture fairies for their own longevity."
This explosive news from Elsa made both sit up straight.
Rashly provoking the World Tree Realm was definitely unwise, even suicidal. According to previous era historical research, humans had exchanged with them—the latter possessed powerful, systematic transcendent forces, not to be underestimated.
The Salvation Church's repeated cooperation with fairies was clear to all—standing up for friends was understandable. The key was why ancient Holy Relics were so crazy?
Moreover, the two negotiators knew nothing, their backing forces also hadn't been informed—complete clowns, making current mediation feel ridiculous.
Bull pressed: "Are you certain?"
"Of course."
"If they're opening another front for life-and-death struggle with fairies, I'm hiding in bunkers right now."
Miller snorted coldly, his attitude toward Holy City Association plummeting. Whether he was acting or genuinely shocked, it represented official forces' disappointment. Actually they'd suspected, just lacked confirming news. Now the Salvation Church using this as reason for confrontation was unavoidable.
He added: "How about we persuade Holy City Association independents through us, tell them not to make enemies everywhere—if they want something from fairies, they can negotiate properly."
"That would be troublesome, and hopefully the military can help with this."
Hearing Elsa's response, Bull sighed, feeling throughout that the rhythm was controlled by the father-daughter pair.
But he had nothing to object to, immediately agreeing, because Mercenary Alliance and military also didn't want fairies as enemies. Thinking it over, it was still better to let connected Magical Girls handle this.
Going in circles, the Salvation Church instead punched toward Holy City Association.
After final pleasantries, the three parties said goodbye and went home to prepare—perhaps war was already inevitable.