Mr. Luo Zhizhou, by the time you see this message, I may no longer be a Magical Girl.
I’ve thought about it for a long time. My abilities are too weak, no match for those predecessors.
Mr. Luo, you were right—I should do something more meaningful, earn more money, support myself independently.
Besides, my father’s condition is improving, thanks to your help. I truly appreciate it! Mr. Luo—or should I say Uncle Luo?
I always felt calling you “Uncle” was more affectionate, but then I thought you might not like it, so I won’t call you that anymore!
(^W^)
Once my father fully recovers, I will return the extra money to you. I promise I will find a way to repay you, Mr. Luo!
Reading Yuying’s message, Porcelain Moon felt her heart was redeemed.
Even if it was only being recognized by a small but strong girl, Porcelain Moon thought it was all worthwhile. Her help had saved another family on the verge of breaking apart.
Doubt.
Ten minutes ago, Porcelain Moon learned that Bai Lingluo had been kidnapped.
At first, she was furious, then worried, and finally, desperate.
No one knew where Bai Lingluo had been taken. Neither the Intelligence Bureau nor the Magic Control Bureau could do anything.
The attack was kept secret. Officially, it was blamed on a stray magical beast, but that excuse hardly held up.
“If only Bai Lingluo could wear Shengli Group’s combat uniform. Their suits have tracking functions and can defend against mental attacks,” Lei Mang said.
“It’s too late to say that now. Today’s gathering is to prevent this from happening again.” Porcelain Moon stood atop the crack in the Magic Control Bureau Building, with the rest of the squad behind her.
“Lan Xi, are you alright?” Kong Ling asked with concern.
Lan Xi’s right arm was wrapped in bandages, bloodstains staining the ground.
“I’m fine. Magical Girls heal quickly.”
Yingxian asked, “You were injured like this, and yet they didn’t finish you off? That doesn’t match their usual style. Or could it have something to do with your special uniform?”
“Exactly.” Lei Mang opened her suitcase, revealing several uniforms.
“These uniforms are limited. Only a few of you are allowed to wear them first—they can block enemy mental attacks and offer stronger protection than the training suits. This is Shengli Group’s latest product, and only a handful were made. There are only five sets here. You need to decide.”
Lei Mang first handed a set to Porcelain Moon.
But Porcelain Moon refused.
“Porcelain Moon, without this suit you can’t defeat her.”
“Give it to someone else. I don’t need such heavy protection.”
The others in the squad questioned her decision one after another.
“But even you couldn’t resist the enemy’s mental attacks. Didn’t you faint in the cave the other day?” Linxing said.
“Tianlang’s goal wasn’t to kill me, but to torture me. But it’s different for you all… Here, take this set.” Porcelain Moon handed the uniform to Linxing.
Linxing hurriedly declined, “No, you don’t have to worry about me. I usually stay in the back during battles. The suits should go to Kong Ling, Ye Liu, and the others.”
“I’ll wear it.” Yingxian volunteered to take the uniform.
“Ye Liu, I’m talking to you! Kong Ling, you should wear one too.” Lin Shuqing said.
Ye Liu and Kong Ling each received a set.
“Lin Shuqing, you’re not wearing one?” Kong Ling asked.
“I’m too weak, not as good as you all… Here, Tian Lan and Ziyuan, you two take a set.”
Tian Lan gave the last set to Ziyuan, who didn’t refuse since she was melee-oriented and faced greater danger.
Ye Liu looked back at her two teammates, Li Jing and Xiao Si. They shook their heads.
Xiao Si said, “We’re second-line operatives; it’s unnecessary.”
That left only one set remaining, but two people hadn’t decided: Miao Ke’er and Chen Lisi.
Chen Lisi looked at Miao Ke’er, who gestured to refuse.
“Chen Lisi is stronger and more important. You should wear it,” Miao Ke’er said.
“Alright, Miao Ke’er, protect yourself well in battle.”
“I will.”
Miao Ke’er moved through the darkness.
She had resigned from her part-time idol job yesterday. Everyone was puzzled by her choice—after all, she could have earned a lot from that identity, pursuing a better life.
Some people could even make more money without working for the Magic Control Bureau and not worry about their safety.
But she chose it willingly, with a clear conscience.
Porcelain Moon’s words always lingered in her heart.
[Everyone has a different view of what justice means…………]
[To fight for the justice in your heart, to do what benefits justice, like punishing villains—isn’t that only right? Hold fast to your conviction, Miao Ke’er. Think of those who sacrificed for justice.]
Miao Ke’er had always been a kind child. Her mother taught her many principles, like helping those in need, staying away from villains, and stopping wrongdoers when possible.
She always lived by that. Although timid and introverted by nature, she became an A-class Magical Girl, making her parents proud.
“If true justice exists as Predecessor Ciyue says, then it must lie dormant in the darkness, waiting to erupt,” a voice said.
“Lin Shuqing? You’re here.”
“I still feel a bit guilty toward Tian Lan and Ziyuan. They’re innocent children too. It’s just that my survival environment is different from theirs.”
Lin Shuqing emerged from the shadows.
“As for you, Miao Ke’er, why did you choose this path?”
Miao Ke’er turned and looked toward the distant industrial zone.
“My parents were excellent workers, contributing to the country’s construction. They raised me to serve society and do what’s just. But growing up, I realized it’s not so simple. They suffered a lot just to raise me, and a lot of what’s called justice is just empty lies…………”
Light.
Miao Ke’er stepped out of the shadows into the golden sunlight. They stood on an overpass; the factory chimneys reflected the glimmering light far off.
“Now, I understand.”
Miao Ke’er opened her palm in the sunlight, feeling the warmth of the setting sun.
“There are many who think like me, who want to fight for a better world.”
Lin Shuqing approached Miao Ke’er, placing her hand over hers.
“Count me in, alright?”
“If you want to rescue your Bai Lingluo, then come see me alone.”
***
The message from Tianlang appeared in Porcelain Moon’s room, placed on her bed.
On the back of the note was a detailed location—the abandoned cargo dock by the riverside in Jingan City.
Porcelain Moon pocketed the note and went to find Ma Xinyin.
The Magic Control Bureau Building was operational again. After all, many documents were stored here.
The previous day’s battle hadn’t compromised the building’s structural integrity, and defenses had been significantly strengthened.
Reconnaissance and sniper teams were stationed on the rooftops of every skyscraper in the city center.
Lei Mang was also in Ma Xinyin’s office.
“You mean Tianlang wants you to meet her alone?” Ma Xinyin said, surprised.
“This is undoubtedly a trap, Porcelain Moon. Don’t fall for it.”
Porcelain Moon was unfazed. “I know. She’s targeting me.”
Lei Mang read Porcelain Moon’s mind.
“You mean to use yourself as bait and trap them all at once?”
“Exactly.”
“Reckless. If you had any sense, you’d wear the combat uniform I gave you all.”
“I just want to talk to her. This uniform blocks dream communication, so we can’t communicate smoothly.”
“Huh? What is there to discuss with a rebel threatening social stability?”
“I don’t know. I just want to understand her more. Even though we’re enemies, I hope she’s not so heartless to hurt so many innocents……”
“Naive fantasy.”
“Alright, alright, you two. Let’s make a plan. Clearly, Porcelain Moon can’t handle the enemy alone,” Ma Xinyin said.
“Porcelain Moon, what exactly is your plan?”