It had been two years since Xing Luo last set foot here, and she couldn’t help but marvel at the changes in Song City.
Song City was the largest population and industrial center for the Northeast Survivors, as well as their administrative hub.
Fifteen years ago, right in the center of Song City, the Witch Council had erected a magnificent assembly hall, decentralizing power by establishing a parliament to collectively discuss major issues within Northeast society.
They also elected an Executive Official, a position Xing Luo had been overwhelmingly voted into eight years ago when she was only twelve.
Later, she resigned to carry out missions in the Inland, but she still retained a deputy position, holding a certain degree of authority.
The old slogans lining the streets had been refreshed, and the posters replaced with more vibrant designs.
Young people were beginning to adopt Inland fashion, and the various cultural products brought from the Inland often sparked new trends, bringing a breath of spring to this otherwise bleak land.
But the Rentiers from the Inland remained the greatest enemy to the Northeast Survivors—everyone here understood that the tragedy from twenty-two years ago had ignited unprecedented hatred.
The Survivors swore to make them pay. However, each person’s interpretation of “vengeance” differed, causing internal divisions that gradually formed two factions.
Fortunately, this rift was still bridgeable—before setting foot on Inland soil, these opposing views had to cooperate.
Xing Luo arrived before the assembly hall, recently renovated in preparation for the upcoming congress.
Tall granite pillars supported its wide portico, and red flags hung from the upper levels, adorning the façade.
She ascended the steps, greeted solemnly by a red carpet laid out at the entrance.
The guards at the door recognized her and stepped aside without hesitation.
As the only native S-class magical girl in the Northeast, Xing Luo had always been regarded as the people’s savior.
Everyone hoped she would lead the Northeast Survivors toward a brighter future.
Bearing this heavy responsibility, Xing Luo constantly held herself to rigorous standards, never slacking off, determined to fulfill the tasks assigned by the parliament—and she had already completed the first step of this mission…
But instead of entering the assembly hall, she headed down to the heavily secured basement.
There was only one room on the lowest level. Due to outdated wiring and a lack of renovations, the power supply was insufficient, and the lighting dim.
Yet this room was no ordinary chamber; it was a secret meeting room, once rife with countless conspiracies.
Every sheet of paper here contained highly classified information involving every aspect of the Northeast and the entire Huaguo National Defense Force.
Even the crumpled notes tucked in the corners were reports from various operatives.
But that was in the past. Now the room had lost its original function and remained empty—until recently, when it was reactivated.
Currently, only three people in the entire Northeast had permission to sit here, and Xing Luo was one of them.
Opposite her at the round table sat a red-haired girl with her back turned, leaning on the table, deep in thought.
The girl with red twin tails exuded a powerful and dangerous aura. As Xing Luo approached, she felt an overwhelming oppressive force emanate from her—a stark contrast to the girl’s petite frame.
“You’re back,” the red-haired girl said upon hearing Xing Luo’s footsteps.
“Where is he? Didn’t he come?” Xing Luo asked, glancing at another seat at the table, which remained empty.
“He’s busy, too occupied to involve himself in our affairs. He even pushed the congress tasks onto me. I don’t mind, though—I’m probably the least busy one here anyway.”
The red-haired girl turned to face her, revealing golden pupils that seemed to burn with an inner flame. One day, that blaze would erupt fully, consuming everything in its path.
“How is the Hope doing?” Xing Luo inquired.
“We recently ran a test. I’ve managed to master most of its power. The Research Personnel also handed me a set of Control Terminals, and I’m currently practicing how to use them.”
“That’s good. We still have plenty of time to prepare.”
“No, the enemy has already caught wind of our plan. The originally scheduled operation date has been moved up. After this congress, I will announce the Wartime State, mobilizing every available resource for final preparations.”
Xing Luo took a deep breath. There was no turning back now; the last hope for peace was gone.
Tormented inside, she knew the day she feared most was inevitable—if the operation succeeded, casualties would be minimal, but if it were obstructed, this land would become a bloodbath.
“Sigh, I hope you’ve drafted a flawless plan. I’ve already paved the way for you,” she sighed.
The red-haired girl clenched her fists. “I’ve waited six years for this day. I’m fully prepared to crush any enemy standing in my way. They will pay what they owe!”
This girl of the same age instilled a certain fear in Xing Luo—she possessed a world-shattering power far greater than Xing Luo’s, and her heart was filled with a pathological thirst for revenge, willing to do anything to achieve her goal…
“After the congress, do you have time? I brought your comrade Ci Yue back. How about you two meet?”
“I don’t really want to talk to her now. She wouldn’t understand me.”
Xing Luo didn’t know the history between Ci Yue and herself.
“Fine, then how about going for a walk with me? We haven’t talked in a while, Chilian.”
“All right.”
***
You had to admire the perseverance of this girl—the one in military uniform had been standing guard outside the cell for over three hours, holding a military stance. For a girl, that was quite impressive.
“Little sister, what’s your name? You stand well in formation. Have you trained?”
The other side remained motionless.
“Little sister?”
“Don’t speak! Enemy!” The girl in uniform ignored Ci Yue’s idle chatter and told her to shut up.
Ci Yue could only comply.
Restricted and frustrated, Ci Yue felt restless. She had many things to resolve, but here she could only waste time. Luckily, after a while, the girl in uniform received orders to take her out of the cell.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Senior Xing Luo asked me to bring you to our congress. She wants you to learn more about us—but having an enemy like you attend is really dangerous!”
“I’ll stay right by your side to watch you. If you try anything, I won’t go easy on you!”
Ci Yue was brought before the assembly hall. Her first impression of this grand building was that it was a perfect replica of the hall in Jingbei City, only with a few more decorations.
One after another, many people entered the assembly hall.
Ci Yue noticed most were magical girls, with a smaller number dressed in military uniforms. Some wore the latest models from the Huaguo National Defense Force…
“Come, sit here.” The girl in uniform led Ci Yue to a seat in the back row.
“What time is it now?” Ci Yue asked. Being underground and without a clock, she wasn’t sure if it was day or night.
“Six forty-something. About twenty minutes until the congress starts.”
The girl sat beside her, eyes constantly watching her every move. Under such scrutiny, Ci Yue felt uneasy.
She saw Xing Luo step onto the central podium and was curious about her identity.
“Little sister, can I ask—is Xing Luo important to you?”
“Of course. She’s our Deputy Executive Official and the captain of the Infiltration Corps. She’s also my idol!”
“Deputy Executive Official? Then who is your Executive Official?”
“Over there!”
Following the girl’s gesture, Ci Yue looked toward the front of the podium, where a scarlet-haired girl was ascending the speaker’s platform. With just one glance, Ci Yue recognized her.
“Chilian!? How is that possible?!”
“You’re here?”