Are you willing to become a Magical Girl? To defend justice in this world, to punish evil, to save the weak?
Even if burdened with heavy responsibilities, facing terrifying dangers, and having to part with those you love, are you willing to fight for a beautiful future for humanity?
“I am willing.”
“Then come forward, and join me.”
With the once overbearing security forces gone, the residents began their reckoning. Those targeted were mainly the former guards loyal to Director Liu and some administrators.
Some were exiled—sent to the desolate icy wilderness where death awaited them; others were forced into labor, which the Magical Girls called “reform through labor.”
Some were simply stripped of their positions, becoming ordinary workers or farmers.
Life returned to its usual rhythm. Though there was no longer a factory director barking orders overhead, the harsh production work did not stop.
Having grown accustomed to living frugally, the residents of Wudong Town took it all in stride.
Yet the Magical Girls from Song City captivated the curiosity of every person in Wudong Town.
To think that beings as powerful as the terrible beasts themselves could exist among humans—it shattered everyone’s understanding.
According to Wu Zhiyi, one of the exiles, he encountered the Magical Girls’ pioneer team from Song City a few kilometers outside Wudong Town.
Under his guidance, those Magical Girls came into Wudong Town, easily defeated Director Liu’s forces, and established a new order.
They were adorable, beautiful—people in the town gathered around them, admiring them with curiosity.
They seemed like characters stepped out from a manga, dreamlike and beautiful, utterly at odds with this bleak world.
Yang Nini squeezed through the crowd, standing on tiptoe to see the arrival of the Magical Girls. Leading them was a girl the same age as Yang Nini, with unnatural green hair that seemed unreal.
“Hello, everyone!” she smiled and greeted the residents of Wudong Town.
So cute… like a doll, Yang Nini thought. She had once dreamed of becoming a beautiful girl herself—how wonderful it would be to wear a gorgeous gown and dance gracefully on a stage bathed in spotlight.
Following behind came more than twenty Magical Girls, each with a unique appearance. Yang Nini memorized their images carefully.
At the rear of the formation was the black-uniformed girl who had executed Director Liu. She dressed the most plainly and was the oldest of the group, emanating a cold aura.
Perhaps because she had personally killed someone, Yang Nini was a little afraid of her.
The residents of Wudong Town cleared out their best homes for the Magical Girls to rest in and tried their best to prepare the best meals for them.
The Magical Girls now dined in the canteen, undisturbed by others. Yang Nini lingered by the canteen’s entrance, wanting to walk inside.
“Yang Nini, don’t disturb those girls. They came from far away and need some rest,” said Uncle Wu, who had retrieved his hunting rifle and was deeply grateful to the Magical Girls who had saved him.
“All right…” Yang Nini could only follow Uncle Wu back to the dormitory.
Back in the dormitory, she saw Han Yu’s father packing up, preparing to move.
“What’s going on?” Yang Nini asked.
“This dormitory can’t be ours anymore. The newly established Wudong Town Workers’ Committee told us to move out and make room for workers.”
“Where will we live then?”
“I don’t know, maybe by the thermal power plant nearby. It’s close to work but the environment isn’t great—the air is poor. But since Han Yu and you are children, you’ll live in a better place. You’ll have to take care of Han Yu from now on.”
“I understand. I’ll take good care of her.”
Yang Nini packed her belongings, mostly old books. She loved reading; it was one of the few pleasures she had and her only window into other parts of the world.
After finishing, she left the dorm to visit Han Yu at the health station where she was helping out.
The health station was frequently visited by coal-stained workers from the power plant.
Boiler workers had the most dangerous job in Wudong Town; they had to clean out slag from inside the furnaces after burning.
One slip could mean burns from residual heat, and they also had to watch out for carbon monoxide from burning poor-quality coal. Without proper filtration and protection, oxygen deprivation was a real threat.
Han Yu was tending to a boiler worker with minor burns, gently washing the wounds with clean water and covering them with fresh gauze to prevent infection.
Yang Nini quietly watched her finish.
“Ah, Sister Yang, why are you here?” Han Yu bumped into Yang Nini right at the door after her shift.
“Nothing much, just came to see how you’re doing.”
“Sigh… it’s okay, not too busy. Helping others makes me happy, and it’s nothing compared to your hard work.”
“That’s good. Don’t tire yourself too much.”
Han Yu circled around Yang Nini, checking if she was okay. “After what happened yesterday… are you really all right? Do you want me to check you over?”
Seeing Han Yu’s concern, Yang Nini shook her head and smiled gratefully. “I’m fine. They didn’t do anything to me.”
Suddenly, Han Yu hugged her from behind, gently rubbing her waist. Startled, Yang Nini let out a small shout.
“Han Yu, what are you doing? Someone might be nearby!”
Han Yu didn’t let go, throwing a little tantrum.
“Sis Yang, do you know how scared I was that I might never see you again? You have to promise me you won’t do anything dangerous like that anymore!”
“I… okay, I promise, Little Han.”
Han Yu had grown up with Yang Nini, who was slightly older, so she treated her like an older sister and often acted spoiled.
Moments like these happened from time to time, but this time Han Yu was truly worried, which made Yang Nini feel a little guilty—had she been irresponsible to stand up on her own like that?
“Little Han, what do you think of those Magical Girls who saved us?”
“I’ve only seen one or two from afar, but I heard they’re amazing. They came from far away, and all the beasts are like their pets. They’re invulnerable to blades and bullets and can fly through the sky and dive underground—so cool. I envy them for being so pretty and powerful.”
Yang Nini murmured to herself, “If only we could become Magical Girls too…”
Since this new phenomenon arrived in Wudong Town, Yang Nini had dreamed of what it would be like if she were a Magical Girl—could she have defeated the evil factory director alone, saved Uncle Wu, and prevented more sacrifices?
She often found herself drawn to those unfamiliar Magical Girls, watching their every word and action.
Beyond their dazzling appearances, Yang Nini realized they were just ordinary girls like herself, with worries and troubles—but they had the power to change things. They could change their own fate…
“You think, Sister Yang, if you really became a Magical Girl, what would you look like? I’m so excited! You’d definitely be beautiful!”
Yang Nini smiled. “I’d definitely wish for a really powerful ability.”
“Sis Yang, we should go ask them! Maybe we could become Magical Girls too.”
“But I’m a little shy… and Uncle Wu told me not to bother them,” Yang Nini hesitated.
“No way, let’s go!” Han Yu dismissed her concerns.
The two set off toward the resting place of the Magical Girls.
Passing through the once heavily guarded security room, they arrived inside the power plant management office, where representatives of Wudong Town’s residents were meeting with the Magical Girls.
As soon as Yang Nini entered, intending to talk with one of the Magical Girls, she was pulled aside by a resident representative—Han Yu followed along.
“You’ve come just in time. We’ve been looking for you, young Yang Nini,” the representative said.
“Why me?” Yang Nini asked, puzzled.
He didn’t explain further but led her to the newly established conference room.
Inside, a meeting was underway.
“I am Qixing, captain of the Magical Girl team from Song City. Let me clarify—within the Magical System of Song City, each Magical Girl has a unique name different from her original,” said the black-uniformed girl—the same one who had executed the factory director.
The representatives nodded. One said, “We’re very grateful you came here to help us common folks. If there’s anything we can do for you ladies, we’ll do our best.”
“Hmm, we hope Wudong Town will join the Alliance under Song City for economic exchange. Song City will provide protection and assistance,” Qixing explained.
“Wait, the ‘Song City’ you mentioned—is that the original Song City?” asked a workers’ representative.
In his memory, Song City was the former capital of Liaobei Province, a typical heavy industrial metropolis in the North-East Military District, one of the most developed cities in the region.
“Yes, we do come from Song City. The beasts didn’t exterminate all its citizens; we are survivors from the Song City Underground,” Qixing replied.
“What exactly is it?”
An engineer representative asked another question: “And what about these ‘Magical Girls’ of yours?”
Qixing was well prepared. She explained, “Magical Girls emerged alongside the beasts’ arrival. Wherever there are beasts, there are Magical Girls.”
“Under certain influence from the beasts’ core, some eligible women receive from higher dimensions an object called the ‘Magical Heart.’ This allows them to transform into Magical Girls, gaining powerful bodies and unique magical abilities.”
The representatives exchanged doubtful whispers.
“How did you deal with the beasts?” someone asked.
“That’s complicated. Briefly, we all share a special ability allowing some form of communication with the beasts. Through this, we can control the beasts and make them serve humans.”
“Then we won’t have to worry about beast invasions anymore,” said an elderly representative with relief.
“Is Song City now ruled by Magical Girls?” another asked.
“Exactly. The Magical Girls saved Song City and now rightfully govern the largest human stronghold in the North-East. However, we cooperate with officers remaining from the original North-East Military District to build a joint governance.”
“Girls ruling a city?” a farmer representative exclaimed, and those beside her showed surprise as well.
After discussion, the Udong representatives accepted this fact.
“We accept your proposal. But whether Magical Girls should fully govern Wudong Town remains to be discussed.”
“Hmm, you can let your local Magical Girls govern if you wish. But here comes the next issue—we hope girls from Wudong Town will join us and become Magical Girls.”
Qixing knew this would cause a stir but insisted on saying it.
As expected, the representatives divided into two groups—some opposed letting their children take the risk, as Magical Girls were still an unknown entity; others believed Magical Girls could enhance security and even aid in production.
The debate lasted long before they reached a compromise: some girls from Wudong Town would go with them and become Magical Girls.
“I know a good candidate—Yang Nini from District Two West. She’s brave and righteous, stood up and spoke for us all. I heard she’s an orphan with no family to worry about, so she’d be a good fit,” said a workers’ representative.
“Any other candidates?”
“I have one—Zhang Pei from District One East. She works hard and is honest. I’m her mother, and her father and I agree she should go!”
“Are you Yang Nini?” Qixing asked, extending her hand.
Yang Nini hesitated, then shook her hand.
“I’ve heard of your deeds. I didn’t expect such courage and justice from a ten-year-old girl—it’s truly admirable. Is this your close friend beside you?”
“Yes… her name is Han Yu. She’s my companion,” Yang Nini replied.
“Do you two want to become Magical Girls like us?” Qixing asked straightforwardly, as was her style.
“Really? We can become Magical Girls?” Han Yu exclaimed.
“It depends on your aptitude, but it’s rare for someone not to qualify.”
“That’s great! Sister Yang, our wish is coming true so fast!” Han Yu hugged Yang Nini excitedly.
“What do we have to do to become Magical Girls?” Yang Nini asked, not blindly excited.
“Come with us to Song City. Only after undergoing the Transformation Ritual there can you become Magical Girls.”
“But know this—once you decide to become a Magical Girl, you must obey the Witch Committee. You’ll leave your home, only return during free time, and sometimes undertake dangerous missions.”
“I can’t guarantee your safety. Do you understand?” Qixing said seriously.
“Leave Wudong Town…? I have to ask my parents. I’m not sure if they’ll agree…” Han Yu said uncertainly.
“Can we think it over?” Yang Nini asked.
“We’re leaving tomorrow morning. You have time to consider. If you decide, come see me then.”
“She wants to leave Wudong Town… I don’t think my dad will agree, and dangerous missions? Fighting beasts? I don’t think my mom will let me go either,” Han Yu complained.
“Sister Yang, what do you think?”
“Go talk to your parents first. I haven’t decided yet,” Yang Nini replied.
“All right, I’ll head to my parents’ new place. Bye, Sister Yang.”
Watching Han Yu leave, Yang Nini already had her answer inside.
She returned to her old dorm, gathered her things, and moved to the new place. On the way, she met Uncle Wu, who had just returned from hunting.
“Yang Nini, moving?”
“I’m moving to the North District. The Workers’ Committee arranged a new place for Han Yu and me.”
“North District? That’s a good place—quiet, not many people.”
After some inner struggle, Yang Nini decided to be honest with Uncle Wu.
“Uncle Wu… I want to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
Yang Nini told him about becoming a Magical Girl.
“You mean you’re leaving Wudong Town to go with those Magical Girls?”
“Yes, I’ve made up my mind.”
“Yang Nini, you have to know outside Wudong Town is dangerous—cold, hungry, and all white with snow. Sometimes there are man-eating beasts. Aren’t you afraid?”
Yang Nini shook her head. “I’m not afraid. As long as I become a Magical Girl, I can overcome all that. You told me to have a sense of justice, Uncle Wu.”
“These past days I’ve realized that justice alone isn’t enough. You need power to realize justice. Once I become a Magical Girl, I’ll have that power.”
“Good!” Uncle Wu gave her a thumbs-up.
“Just as I taught you, with that kind of awareness, your parents must be proud. Come, I’ve got a good haul from hunting. Let’s share it outdoors. Consider it a send-off gift.”
“Sister Yang, I’m back.”
Yang Nini saw Han Yu dragging her tired body home, clearly having had a fight with her parents.
“What did your parents say?”
“We’ll talk tomorrow. I want to sleep…” Han Yu muttered softly.
Yang Nini had no choice but to open her blanket and invite Han Yu in. “Come on, let’s sleep together.”
In her dreams, Yang Nini’s heart was full of excitement, anxiety, and a touch of unease.
Her wish was about to come true—she would become a Magical Girl!
Gain powerful magic, do unimaginable things, and have freedom to soar through the heavens and dive into the earth…
She flew across the starry sky of her dream, reaching out to pluck the star she loved. In that moment, she felt invincible.
At the door, Qixing was waiting for her, with Han Yu trailing behind.
“I’m sorry… Sister Yang, I can’t go with you,” Han Yu said, dejected.
“Why?”
“My parents won’t allow it. Dad said I can’t leave them; the outside world is dangerous. They’re worried something might happen to me… I can’t promise you, Sister Yang.”
Han Yu held Yang Nini’s hand tightly, reluctant to let go.
“I’ve thought about it a lot too. Qixing said becoming a Magical Girl carries life-threatening risks. I’m so scared I’ll lose you again, Sister Yang! But I can’t stop you from following your path. I don’t know what to do… Sister Yang…”
Yang Nini patted Han Yu’s head, who looked ready to cry.
Han Yu was younger, and this was unavoidable. Yang Nini tried her best to comfort her.
“Han Yu, I promise, after becoming a Magical Girl, I’ll come back. I’ll live well. Maybe someday, you’ll become a Magical Girl too, and we can live freely together. Trust me, that day isn’t far off.”
“Mm, I’ll wait for you to come back!”
Han Yu let go of her hand and wiped away her tears.
Yang Nini waved goodbye.
“Ready to leave? Do you have anything to say to your companions?”
Qixing asked.
“I’ve said my goodbyes—no parents, only a few people care about me. Whether I’m here or not doesn’t really matter.”
Yang Nini said.
“I can tell you’re more mature than others your age and have the ability to think things through. So I’ll ask again—this isn’t a joke.”
“Are you willing to become a Magical Girl? To defend justice, punish evil, and save the weak?”
“Even if burdened with heavy responsibilities, facing terrifying dangers, and having to part with those you love, are you willing to fight for a beautiful future for humanity?”
“I am willing.”
“Then come forward, and join me.”