Hermit Island coastal beach.
Magical Girls normally sitting and watching scattered in shock waves, only able to glimpse corners of Hyacinth and Edwina's battle from distance. Both sides similarly displayed nearly infinite magic resonance traits—simply incredible.
Jin Yulu declared: "It's the Fruition Stage element she mentioned. This stage has many resonance-related characteristics."
The World Serpent user, most sensitive to energy levels, immediately noticed differences.
"Higher-level elements increasingly lead to the same destination. But fairies excel in varied changes—very troublesome." Nan Zhiyi held her chin thinking. "Magic coordination often uses minimal force for maximum effect, more flexible. So World Tree Realm created such prosperous civilization, and now only they can freely travel spacetime turbulence."
"Indeed should be more careful."
Two Magical Girls good at battle analysis constantly deduced situations. Currently, neither combatant could defeat the other, but there should be a balance point.
As for Jin Ruochu and Tulip, they didn't think so much—the former picked up binoculars pretending, the latter ate popcorn.
Regardless of battle conditions, big scenes satisfied the eyes.
Little did they know the battlefield had reached white heat. Even Edwina with resonance reducing consumption had physical adaptation thresholds—constantly exchanging internal and external magic was tiring. Most importantly, she was too weakened. Critical state had many unaccustomed things. Who knew Planet Gaia's magic was so barren? Whenever trying to mobilize higher-level energy, she got stuck—constrained.
Seeing this, Hibiscus also actively lowered output, attempting to operate at similarly weakened levels.
Indeed very tiring.
Equivalent to two weight-training fighters battling, competing endurance, willpower, magic, and combat experience—no easier than real life-or-death battles.
Their speed actually grew faster, pulling rainbows across horizons, crisscrossing everywhere connecting storm after storm. Even Magical Girls on the beach felt pressure sweeping over.
"Too fast, I couldn't see what happened."
"Get closer—doesn't matter if they blow this whole place up."
"How are each tougher than the last? Are you really magic-type combat styles?"
The Salvation Church contained diverse abilities, equally dumbfounded by both performances. The so-called great way was simple—now Hibiscus and Edwina were speed conquering all. Ordinary interference insufficient to separate them—clearly both were in heated battle.
They understood Senior Hyacinth—prohibiting time-type large-scale damage abilities would better return to Origin strikes, not difficult for this full-element user.
Fairies were more amazed.
Logically, Queen's Guard should have gained advantage even when restricted, yet now they were evenly matched! Admittedly, Edwina was experienced and comprehensively powerful, but the oldest and strongest Magical Girl was equally battle-tested, gradually adapting despite first encounters with such opponents.
Actually, Hibiscus was truly in magic danger, constantly affected by Edwina's magic control.
So that's how it was—powerful fairies could interfere with targets' magic flow, even making enemies attack themselves. Had to use Origin to suppress.
Since advancing to the Blooming Stage, she felt such fatigue for the first time. Most Origin or magic external release for increased output was neutralized, forcing further increases. Often affected by the opponent's chaos, consumption increased. Ordinary Magical Girls would have exhausted stamina long ago.
Though condition declined, it didn't mean she couldn't continue.
Next moment the silver-haired girl flickered—instantly Edwina understood she'd entered time stop intervals, immediately exerting full effort for omnidirectional light beam bombardment with no blind spots.
However, Hibiscus appearing before her chose to meet attacks head-on. Attacks grazing Regalia and Origin only left scratches—her unfathomably deep defensive ability was shocking.
Crack!
A mighty punch heavily struck armor, shattering a large area—no longer completely protecting the fairy body.
Wind passing her ear lifted Edwina's long hair as she held her breath.
In real combat, she'd definitely suffer severe damage.
Throughout, Hyacinth relied on powerful mobility, Time Slice, time stops to evade attacks, creating illusions of relying on agility while being physically fragile. Turns out when truly fighting desperately, she was so resilient. Too deceptive, elusive. Feints making enemies underestimate seemed integrated into Hyacinth's combat style—dangerous once fooled.
"...Worthy of Regalia and Origin dual-element enhancement. Even ordinary defense-renowned Disaster Beasts aren't as tough as you."
"Not so simple—you already reacted, didn't you? Truly battle-tested."
"So I incidentally witnessed your exaggerated recovery."
A light arrow penetrated Hibiscus's heart, unfortunately not completely penetrating—only making her wipe black blood from her mouth corner. The moment she pulled it out, regeneration completed. Even corresponding military uniform Regalia parts repaired—barely affecting combat effectiveness.
Many factors influenced regeneration efficiency. First priority was basic attributes—precisely what Hibiscus never lacked from constant point allocation, so her physical foundation was quite tenacious.
"Finished?"
As host, she timely suggested stopping, seeing Edwina more unadapted to magic environment, already breathing heavily and sweating.
The guest readily agreed, even lacking energy for small talk and comfort.
They gained different intelligence from each other. Those combat styles represented not just individuals but reflected different worlds' transcendent backgrounds—high-value information itself. Moreover, oral instruction alone was meaningless—must personally experience to truly understand.
When both landed on the beach, companions crowded around—some bringing water, others towels—exactly like a boxing match ending.
No need to ask battle details—everyone watched and thought. Comparatively, another matter:
"Bull mentioned meeting again." After Nan Zhiyi conveyed, she gave her judgment: "Should be high-level groups behind him needing clear reconciliation signals between Salvation Church and Holy City Association, otherwise worried. But I think we should be cautious..."
"Then let's go."
"Aren't you afraid someone harbors ill intentions?"
"I never care about trust based on power balance or moral law, because we've grown stronger, so they should obediently choose peaceful meeting."
Hibiscus smiled and looked around, seeing several newly advanced Blooming Stage Magical Girls. Current Church was stronger than during Congo battle. Besides, she'd also gained some harvest—with advancement stones should be quite smooth.
"Fine, then I'll reply immediately."
❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀
New Zealand, frontline Command.
In the prepared press hall, besides constantly moving military clerical personnel transferring files, many uninvited people with reporter badges arrived.
They orderly arranged microphones, cameras, recording equipment—everything ready except the east wind. As everyone knew, Congo battle had just passed with involved forces on both sides—sounded very gossip-worthy.
The world focused on the second round Fallen Zone recovery war, also paying attention to two major transcendent organizations' meeting.
Backstage, Bull glanced at the front stage and curled his lips: "Too many people."
"I can remove some from the list." Several Pasha clones separately screened thick file stacks.
"No need. High attention is good too. My position, this profession—being somewhat famous isn't bad. Public focus is also insurance, right?"
His implication referred to the sunglasses man in the meeting room—usually the King's puppet sat steadily without chest rise or breathing expressions. Careful observation gave an inexplicably eerie atmosphere.
"Of course."
Unless necessary, the King always gave terse replies. Surface gave impersonal feelings, but actual communication revealed his demeanor.
"You politicians move quickly, don't delay military affairs. Why call me here to chat?" Josh complained considerably, not even giving much face. Not because she didn't understand human relations but because she was restless about frontline bases—current situation was explosive.
"Doesn't matter. Smooth cooperation brings greater benefits than base interests." Always big-hearted Dorothy consoled. From military standpoint, any unified force was insufficient. So must send representatives confirming Salvation Church's attitude, yet not too intense lest it be mistaken for Hongmen Banquet. Cultural backgrounds must be considered—all aspects calculated. If mistakes made Magical Girls and fairies deem hostility, disaster.
From another angle, sitting down peacefully sufficed. Afterward everyone had consistent goals eliminating Intelligent Subspecies—everyone happy.
"We have no fundamental interest conflicts."
Facing the King's statement, Josh curiously asked: "Won't you continue pursuing longevity?"
"If so, definitely opposing fairies—thus opposing Church. You want to say this, right? But Dark Fairies are usable. Besides, current goals are most important—if human civilization perishes, everything becomes meaningless."
"Quite good at elevating perspective."
"Many say I'm crazy because I abandoned flesh completely accepting Knowledge Poison, even using it as energy, but I also gained greater wisdom."
The King looked up emotionally, as if being misunderstood was so lonely.
Colleagues disagreed—anyway, few Ancient Holy Relics were normal. Perhaps longevity had become his obsession.
But ultimately, the King wasn't as urgent as Chariot displayed—had a calm detachment seeing through worldly affairs. Someone weathered by long years became flexible, less calculating. Seemingly neither success nor failure could stir that heart.
The Pope mediated: "Anyway, time's still early. We can hold on somehow—living long encounters various opportunities."
"Even dying doesn't matter."
Snow Maiden, who'd been silently resting with eyes closed, suddenly spoke. Her words sounded discouraging but her spirit was vigorous—arriving by assembly orders, she was truly spirited, having made all preparations.
Three Ancient Holy Relics respectively represented enlightenment, waiting, and death-seeking mindsets—even internally lacking unified opinions, but proving everyone inclined toward peace.
Suddenly Croft knocked and entered the office: "Go to the dock—Hermit Island is coming."
Naval port district.
To prepare for upcoming super-large-scale troop deployment, fleets filled this place—stretching endlessly with only steel city walls visible instead of sea surface. Even so crowded, a path was cleared for clouds and mist to enter a corner.
Rather than a ship entering berth, an island extended peninsula corner connecting with naval port forming passage.
Appearing at the dock were familiar faces—similar lineup as last time.
Leading Hibiscus waved her hand.
Before she could speak, Bull already approached smiling.
"Good morning, hope you've been well. Let me introduce—the King, Holy City Association founder. Though you met before, this is more formal."
Two gazes converged—one sharp, one hollow. Then both showed social courtesy smiles, shaking hands and nodding. Just this scene made camera shutters drown out sea tides. Facts proved hosts understood operations—currently Bull in the middle counted as mediator role, continuing mutual face-saving from Congo battle.
Reporters were extremely excited—definitely big news, at least representing two major transcendent groups' terrifying firepower wouldn't target their own people.
Initially fighting so fiercely yet not completely breaking faces—now even less reason for endless death struggles. Might as well discuss business. Though humans always favored internal strife, external enemies made shelving contradictions relatively easy.
"I believe in Your Majesty's credibility. Your organization's achievements are outstanding—indispensable cooperation partners." Hibiscus said straightforwardly.
"Magical Girls proved themselves with strength—we naturally accept new friends."
Both sides didn't play riddles—reconciliation was reconciliation. No need continuing scheming—that lacked vision. They were at a balance point where none could defeat others—might as well accept reality.
Besides, the Church had grown stronger again.
Even without high-level perception, people present could see Elsa, Minase Kaori, and a sleepy girl had formidable auras—clearly Blooming Stage.
Hermit Island definitely had remaining strongmen, so the Magical Girls' largest organization advanced further.
Not seen for short periods, they leaped forward greatly.
In combat reserves, Salvation Church still lagged behind Holy City Association, but calculating readily mobile forces was evenly matched. Hard fighting would only result in mutual destruction with Disaster Beasts profiting—unprofitable. Moreover, everyone was far from sword-drawing situations.
"Welcome."
After arriving at the meeting hall, host Bull had everyone sit casually—no complicated procedures.
He asked bluntly: "I hope both provide intelligence support as much as possible, price negotiable, more detailed the better. We accept any interest exchanges."
Military representatives had given sufficiently low posture, directly making requests without competing for negotiation initiative. Actually, the real requirement was winning victory at survival moments—unanimous effort starting from information sharing.
After all, the world's largest military organization couldn't match two transcendent groups in this aspect.