"You're referring to Sleeping Beauty, right? We prefer to call her that."
Nan Zhiyi immediately identified the Ring of Levitation user's codename, causing Snow Maiden's brow to furrow and her heart to tense.
The Salvation Church's intelligence capabilities were as terrifyingly effective as always. No matter how many times they demonstrated it, she would still feel on edge. After all, Sleeping Beauty's security classification far exceeded King's, protected by countless counter-surveillance relics.
That was a collection of curses.
Never mind associating images from mentioning the codename—even investigative behavior would trigger severe illness or death. Yet Magical Girl Dandelion spoke the name calmly and safely.
Indeed, such powerhouses were already immune to curses.
"Elsa, you handle the tour. Peony and I will excuse ourselves for a moment."
She led Snow Maiden toward the newly constructed port edge, relatively quiet. After all, this wasn't some formal meeting—mainly for exchanging opinions, so there was no need to be too formal.
Jin Yulu spoke first: "With our current combat power reserves, any support requires careful consideration, unless it's a small number of people."
"Of course, I understand your organization's concerns, so we won't give you dangerous work... mainly to guard against the Ring of Levitation's rampage, because fellow Holy Relics fighting each other easily triggers Knowledge Poison resonance, which would be more dangerous."
"Doesn't sound like safe work." Nan Zhiyi smiled, her attitude completely unyielding.
"Right, and we're going to an even more treacherous place."
Snow Maiden then revealed a most remote relic site: the lunar crater.
As one of the moon's landmarks, it was so famous that people forgot that long ago, large-scale Knowledge Poison had leaked from there, even crossing the Earth-Moon passage to reach the surface and infect tens of thousands of people.
The cause was a meteorite crash that damaged the surface, leaking ruins from a previous era. Those observing through telescopes at the time were extremely shocked.
The news had to be suppressed.
If infection occurred through logical cognitive chains, who knew how many casualties there would be? Fortunately, the observation equipment requirements were extremely high, so the matter was easily suppressed. But it wasn't a solution—they had to go up there to clarify the leakage situation. They couldn't just let a space weapon rampage above their heads, could they?
This secret expedition exploration far preceded the publicly announced lunar landing time, because Holy Relics had their own ways to get there.
Taking ten thousand steps back, with their superior physical conditions, their spacecraft requirements weren't high either—just needing return propulsion power. They didn't even need oxygen, surviving on magic power.
In any case, after much effort, the Holy City Association successfully landed on the moon.
Snow Maiden said proudly: "We completed this great feat for humanity early on."
Even Jin Yulu and Nan Zhiyi were slightly stunned, as Hibiscus hadn't detailed this part. They hadn't expected Holy Relics to have such enterprising spirit.
During its peak, the Holy City Association wasn't much different from today in terms of personnel, but that fighting spirit was completely different. In the magical world, idealism was very important. When their will was brilliant, they could naturally achieve great feats.
And then?
"...Unfortunately, the first wave suffered heavy losses. All died from contamination. The culprit was some kind of Knowledge Poison incarnation collective, but fortunately what we sent up were puppet bodies."
"You should have guessed—characteristics similar to King, just that he was more stable and had complete control."
The reasoning was simple: the previous era had built some kind of facility, and people had even died inside. Over the years, large amounts of Knowledge Poison appeared, using flesh as vehicles to become a strange monster that fought the Holy City Association's exploration team on the moon.
It sounded very sci-fi horror.
Nan Zhiyi's eyes brightened, becoming increasingly interested. She naturally loved astronomy, and now knowing about the lunar horror incident, she rarely showed curiosity, quite fond of this atmosphere.
"Encountering humanoid Knowledge Poison infection entities in completely unfamiliar territory never touched by humans—very challenging."
Snow Maiden shook her head.
"Those involved didn't think so. Though they were clones, the toxicity extending over was also unbearable, so we changed methods."
"—First fire coverage to completely suppress those monsters."
"Then it was easy. We maintained fire suppression and sent the main bodies. At that time, there were King's clone, Chariot, Pharaoh, me, Pope, and Poet. Together we discovered the excavation site and made preliminary treatments. That's where we excavated the Ring of Levitation. It was originally in component state, pieced together to become complete, and we believe there are still missing parts."
"However, we couldn't go deeper into the lower levels. The infection was too intense, and many infection entity reactions appeared. Reckless warfare would be futile, so we had to abandon this plan."
Over time, the exploration plan faded from view. Aside from establishing a base to maintain observation, there were no further measures.
Now the situation had changed, and the need to complete the Ring of Levitation was once again on the table. The importance of the most massive relic need not be mentioned, so they had to restart the exploration plan. The Holy City Association would reorganize an exploration team to enter.
It was a continuation of the previous attempt.
Snow Maiden's seemingly calm narration was filled with determination, as lunar combat was full of crises—even Ancient Holy Relics had no guarantees.
But it wasn't just for Sleeping Beauty's complete state, but also to preserve humanity's possibility for the stars.
Losing the Ring of Levitation would deal an immeasurable blow to morale.
Snow Maiden continued: "The Association will be responsible for reaching the excavation site to piece together all relic components, and will probably engage the infection entities. However, you only need to station at the space station to watch over Sleeping Beauty, or if we fail, cut off the Earth-Moon passage to prevent possible invasion by infection entities."
"I can't represent the organization right now." Nan Zhiyi pondered for a moment but didn't refuse on the spot, leaving some possibility. "We do have common interests after all."
"You were so absorbed in listening that you didn't notice Hyacinth arrived, did you?" Jin Yulu pointed to the silver-haired girl beside them.
"Acceptable."
Though as a time slice, her thinking patterns hadn't changed much from the main body, and she also knew some information from netizens. The Ring of Levitation should be preserved if possible, and relic sites often involved major matters.
As everyone knew, not a single relic excavation site in the Magic Girl of Light world was wasted.
"In that case, please convey our commitment. The Church will help you." Nan Zhiyi immediately replied after receiving confirmation.
Actually, she could have made the decision herself, but she didn't want outsiders to think Hyacinth lacked authority. Reporting to and being authorized by the leader was an important step for unified high-level opinions.
Jin Yulu also expressed support.
"Thank you very much for your strong support. I won't say those grand words about doing it for the whole world. You've given the fate of Holy Relics more possibilities."
"Ultimately, you must grasp it yourselves. Don't overestimate us. Heaven helps those who help themselves."
Hearing this, Snow Maiden nodded sincerely and turned to leave. The message had been delivered; no need for redundant elaboration. Their style wasn't nagging.
Both major organizations vaguely understood this cooperation might be a period.
❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀
World Tree Realm, Emerald Court.
Opening her eyes, Hibiscus rubbed her temples and murmured: "Couldn't sleep well at all."
Last night, halfway through meditation, she decided to sleep for once. Although Fruition Stage Magical Girls had almost completely bid farewell to sleep, occasionally emptying the mind for rest was fine. Unfortunately, it was wishful thinking.
It seemed messages from the clone occupied her brain's mental strength with extensive thinking. This mysterious connection was somewhat uncomfortable.
In the original work, the priest maintained the girlish White Hyacinth with huge separation from the main body and constant operation—there was indeed suspicion of split personality.
Which Magical Girl wasn't crazy?
Fortunately, intuition told Hibiscus the Church had made the right decision, because in critical situations, the time slice clone would also reflect back. In any case, she didn't need to worry. The cooperation between Nan Zhiyi, Jin Yulu, and Tulip was sufficient to handle the situation.
She looked at Manjusaka beside her, pink long hair messily spread and tangled with the bedding, close enough to feel breath hitting her cheek.
"Sleeping like the dead, and using my arm as a pillow."
Fortunately, Magical Girls had strong physical qualities, otherwise after being used like this all night, it would probably be numb and immobile.
"Get up."
Hibiscus patted her companion's head, but the latter gave no face and rolled over to continue snoring, her posture becoming even more sprawling. It seemed Hyacinth's scent gave her a sense of security, sleeping deeply in complete shutdown mode, completely disregarding the environment.
Seeing this, she could only pinch Manjusaka's tender cheeks, finally drawing out a startled cry: "Mmm, where are we?"
"You completely blacked out while sleeping."
"Oh right, we're in the Fairy Realm. I was saying their guest rooms are really nice. Of course, best of all is the Hyacinth brand guarantee—you're my number one sleep assurance, thank you very much. As repayment, I can also let you hold me while sleeping."
Just then, knocking came at the door. Hibiscus opened it to find Julius.
"Sorry for the embarrassment to our guests. The interrogation time has been moved to afternoon because when we were escorting Meredith from prison to the interrogation room this morning, she and her accomplices resisted. Commander Orseya just finished handling it..."
An incident during escort? What was Emerald Court's control over the situation? Though questioning inwardly, she showed no emotion on the surface: "Mm, don't mind us. We'll see you on time."
After brief communication, Julius hurriedly returned. Judging from the smoke rising from distant Emerald Court, her words were true—there were indeed traces of magical bombardment within perception.
The hosts probably couldn't be relied upon. She'd have to be responsible for her own safety.
With this thought, she turned to warn her companion, but saw Manjusaka had learned the schedule was delayed and was sleeping in peacefully.
This one had even more sense of security, probably feeling the accumulation of lucky energy. Besides, their journey to Emerald Court had gone well, so she might as well relax properly and treat it like a vacation.
So be it.
Hibiscus sat down to check the system.
[Completed Suggestion "Conduct Collective Church Training" Reward: Collective Magic Resonance Level Improvement, Revival Of Resonance-Related Knowledge]
[Completed Suggestion "Visit World Tree Realm" Reward: Large Enhancement Potion ×1, Medium Origin Advancement Stone ×1]
They timely replenished losses from the mantle battle.
At this moment, the silver-haired girl weighed a medium origin advancement stone in her hand, feeling its nourishment.
Though advancing to the Withering Stage required all 3 elements of that stage, the difficulty only applied to others. So far, she had always maxed out all elements before advancing, which would actually be easier than ordinary Magical Girls at this level.
But Emerald Court's situation made Hibiscus vigilant. This place could be called a gathering of powerhouses. Besides the Knight Commander, several guards hadn't appeared yet. The Fairy Realm was the number one major force.
At the same time, she saw the comment section continuously asking about recent situations, hoping to connect with the original work for further speculation.
"Upload it."
Actually, there hadn't been much big news recently—insufficient information. So she mainly selected some daily photos, like ones with Nan Zhiyi at the cat demon ruins and old city district. Magical Girl Dandelion showing signs of Fruition Stage should count as good news.
【What do you mean, OP? Openly spreading dog food?】
【What am I living for? Jumping off now】
【Everyone asked you to report your itinerary, and your itinerary turned out to be relationship building. Fine, fine, fine—it counts as maintaining organizational stability】
【How is it not important? Without Boss Mu, this family would scatter—internal war in minutes】
【Seriously speaking, it's good to break through this barrier with Manager Miss. Otherwise, with us whispering in your ear while Boss Mu acts like wood, that would be strange. Now it's natural progression】
【Post more please. Magic Girl of Light fans will do anything】
【Childhood friend wins, at least took one city. Actually, I felt from the beginning they had no obstacles—just needed to express feelings at the right moment】
【The original was awkward like that. The priest knew how dangerous her work was and never talked about feelings; wheelchair girl thought her disabled body couldn't keep following... Yet everyone stayed together while gradually drifting apart—tragedy maxed out】
【The simulation storyline giving some progress is good. Otherwise it's killing us with anxiety. Dragging it out really isn't the solution】
【@Hyacinth, what's the actual situation? You've come this far, why not post photos of kissing?】
【Damn editing】
By now Hibiscus didn't need to hide anything, so she answered simply and directly: "Right, we confirmed each other's feelings and will accompany each other forever. This is a promise."
With their friendship from childhood to adulthood, no need to say more—just missing one confession.
They had long sensed each other's feelings, just keeping them buried deep and not exposing them. No one punctured the facade. Rather, it was changing circumstances pushing them, as if not expressing feelings early might miss something, so they decided to be brave once.
Hibiscus was grateful from the bottom of her heart for Nan Zhiyi's courage, because being in the most dangerous position, she didn't dare make the first move. What if something happened and left regrets?
Her childhood friend took that step despite knowing the dangers.
After telling the think tank this consideration, everyone became more enthusiastic, with quite a few suggestive fan art appearing in the comments.
To correct the discussion direction, she had to speak up: "Currently we're at Emerald Court. We've already learned about Manjusaka's background, and she's shown signs of Fruition Stage. Is Fortune and Misfortune at this stage safe? Can World Tree Realm's military strength stabilize the situation? I'd like to hear friends' opinions..."
【Wait a minute】
【The gap is too big, right? How did we just go from discussing love with Manager Miss to cross-world long-distance separation? You heartbreaker】
【It's continuing the story—going to interrogate Meredith while contacting fairies for benefits】
【Right, definitely try whether Sands of Time can awaken the Fairy Queen early. If successful, the harvest will be huge—the kind that directly changes plot direction】
【I'm only curious about one thing: what happened between Hyacinth and Manjusaka?】