Declare War on the Magical Wives

“I’m done eating!”

Xue ran back, having swept all the Sea of Realms matter into her belly.

From the outside, her body showed no changes at all.

No strange reactions.

It was as if she had just finished an ordinary meal.

Luo You had half expected a horror movie scene—

her sprouting grotesque limbs or tentacles from within,

bursting her current body apart.

“Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

“Take my punch!”

Without warning, Xue threw a punch at her.

Luo You instinctively blocked it with three hundred thousand units of Purity Ground.

The punch wasn’t powerful.

Inside the barrier, it only caused a faint ripple.

Even so, it drew Luo You’s attention.

“What are you doing?”

“Nothing, just wanted to test it.”

Xue answered honestly.

‘We still have to do that when we get back. You better be ready.’

Luo You’s thoughts darkened.

Could it be that after eating the Sea of Realms matter,

Xue became less susceptible to her hypnotic brainwashing?

That she actually dared to lay hands on her now?

This called for correction.

A full, merciless round of hypnosis!

“Let’s head back.”

“Okay!”

Xue seemed unusually happy.

Luo You had never seen her like this before.

At home, the girl neither smiled nor cried.

Nothing ever stirred her emotions.

Yet now her presence was agitated, restless.

Luo You guessed—

perhaps Xue resented her own existence.

A hybrid of human and dimensional beast, standing against nature itself.

Maybe that contradiction was what made her feel so sick at the core.

---

“Is it… over?”

Feiyu’s body swayed in exhaustion.

Today, she had led her team to slay more than ten dimensional beasts—

all Ghost-class, one even King-class.

Her stamina was utterly drained.

“Zhou Xi, are you alright?”

“Mm.”

Zhou Xi too was battered and scarred.

Her magical attire cracked, blood seeping out.

She barely noticed.

Another girl had fallen today.

Deaths were frequent here at the Pass of the Sea of Realms, yes,

but it never stopped being bitter news.

“She’s coming down!”

Feiyu’s voice trembled.

“Who?”

Before Zhou Xi could react,

Luo You fell from the sky like a meteor,

dust rising at impact—

and behind her trailed a little brat in an Ultraman mask.

In an instant, every magical girl there bristled in alarm.

Feiyu included.

Damn! What’s that witch doing here?!

The Aurora Witch’s name might not ring loudly among ordinary people.

But among magical girls, she was a fairy tale’s ultimate demon king.

Had she come now under the pretense of “collecting payment”?

Was she about to drag two of them away for her twisted ‘training’?

The thought alone made every girl’s face change colors.

They backed away dozens of meters at once.

Of all the people in this world,

there was only one who could help magical girls win a battle—

and immediately afterward still terrify them like this.

But most of the younger ones here hadn’t fought through that dark age.

They had no idea why their seniors reacted with such dread.

“Herrera!”

Feiyu immediately waved the others back

and stepped forward to block the front line.

She had too many debts to settle with Herrera.

“Everyone, fall back!”

Jinwang and Xingyu landed together at the front.

Xingyu’s expression was stiff.

After all, Herrera had just helped lift her sister out of despair.

She couldn’t afford to treat her too harshly, no matter her resentment.

Even though her sister’s problem had been created by Herrera in the first place.

If Herrera pushed too far again—

if Liyun, after finally recovering, regressed into a burden once more—

Xingyu felt she might collapse completely.

By contrast, Jinwang looked far more relaxed.

She wasn’t like the others branded forever by Herrera in body and soul.

Her feelings held no deep hatred, no poisonous admiration.

She simply regarded Herrera as the woman who had once reshaped her body and mind.

“Herrera, if it’s payment you want,

I can contact the Alliance and secure you the greatest reward possible,”

Xingyu said, her face still rigid.

“……”

Luo You didn’t respond.

Xingyu grew even more nervous.

If Herrera abducted magical girls here, under the eye of two Ten Seats—

the Alliance’s dignity would be shredded.

What if her target was precisely she and Jinwang?

This might turn into a clash over the very honor of the Ten Seats.

“You all…”

Luo You finally opened her mouth.

The shift made Xingyu seize up,

and Feiyu clenched her fists tight.

“I’ve heard many of the Alliance’s dear sisters have been looking for me lately…”

Her words were slow, deliberate,

so all could hear clearly.

Suddenly, Feiyu felt that mocking gaze spear into her.

Her body jolted with a shudder.

She clamped her thighs together unconsciously, toes pigeon-toed inward,

as if something cold and sharp pressed against an unspeakable place.

[Why is she staring at me—does she know I created that survivor group?!]

Panic exploded in her chest.

Meanwhile, Luo You stood there with her hands behind her back,

like some playful neighborhood girl.

The contrast between her air and the trembling magical girls facing her

was absurd.

“Tell me—

does anyone here happen to be a sister or senior that I’ve slept with before?”

The line nearly made Xingyu choke.

She bit down fast before the mood could spiral further.

“Herrera, what exactly are you trying to say?”

Luo You’s aura changed in an instant.

Gone was the playful tease.

In its place, tyranny and dominance surged.

“I don’t care whether you’ve been with me before or not.

Listen closely!

You have complaints about our past?

Grievances?

Just spit them out openly!

Don’t prance around like abandoned wives,

haunting me everywhere trying to make me ‘take responsibility.’

I’ll say it clearly—

I, Herrera, will never take responsibility for any magical girl!”

“Not in the past.

Not now.

Not ever!”

…You bastard!

Xingyu nearly cursed aloud.

At that moment, the very composure of a magical girl was tested.

The sheer level of scum on display was beyond precedent.

Zhou Xi, Jinwang, Feiyu—all of them were dumbfounded.

No one expected Herrera to descend here

just to declare something so outrageous.

And yet, it would spread.

Within days, these words would reverberate through the entire Alliance.

Inciting some into fury.

Then Luo You stepped forward boldly,

right into the clustered ring of magical girls.

Like a tiger striding into startled sheep.

They all shrank back instantly,

unable to even raise their hands against her.

Her voice grew playful again.

“Now then, dear sisters and little ones.

If you cannot accept my words,

then I don’t mind offering you a chance.

A direct challenge.

Any time, anywhere—

if you wish to take me on, just invite me.

But should you lose…

don’t be upset if your body carries away a brand new imprint.

I’d be more than happy to leave you with some… special memories in your magical girl careers.”

“Well~ I doubt any of you would be reckless enough, hmm?”

At once, fists tightened all around her.

Damn brat!

A kid mouthing off with the most insulting tone possible—

who wouldn’t get angry?

Every one of them wanted to tackle her to the ground and pound in some “discipline.”

“You’re shamelessly boasting nonsense!” someone snapped aloud.

“You must’ve resorted to every trick imaginable back then

to make so many veterans fall in your hands!”

Indeed, aside from Xingyu, Jinwang, Feiyu, and Zhou Xi,

most present had no personal history with Herrera.

They had all become magical girls after her retreat.

Though they’d heard tales of the Aurora Witch,

they’d never lived that terror.

And so their courage swelled.

“Well, that’s all from me.”

Luo You smiled faintly, unconcerned.

But before she left, she tossed another spark over her shoulder.

“One more thing—

I also accept one-against-many.

If you can surpass me,

the recognition you’ll gain as magical girls will be immense.

Not only that—

you’ll have avenged your seniors,

gaining their acknowledgement as well.”

With that, she turned and walked away.

Leaving Xue behind.

“…?”

Xue froze on the spot.

What about me?

Did she just leave me here as a punching bag for them?

The killing intent from all around nearly made her tremble apart.

Whoosh!

In a gust of wind, Luo You reappeared.

“Oops—forgot about you.”

Scooping up the petite girl,

she vanished again like a storm.

---

The survivors stood in haunted silence.

“Lady Xingyu, are we really just going to let that go?”

Some younger girls cast her imploring looks.

“Yes, she’s far too arrogant!

If we remain silent, she’ll only grow stronger over us.”

“Senior Jinwang, what do you think?”

“Didn’t she just say she accepts one-against-many?

If you and Lady Xingyu fought her together…”

The murmurs multiplied.

More and more voices insisted the Ten Seats ought to lead.

That they should prove their authority by putting Herrera in her place.

The truth, of course, was locked away.

That past nightmare where even Ten Seats had been broken under Herrera’s hands—

it had all been sealed to preserve the Alliance’s dignity.

To these newer magical girls, the Ten Seats remained untouchable.

Legendary. Invincible.

“I think Lady Xingyu alone could surely do it!”

“Yes, hasn’t she already planned a duel with Herrera?

When’s the date? We’ll all cheer her on!”

“Lady Xingyu! Lady Xingyu!”

They began to chant.

“Lady Xingyu!”

“Lady Xingyu!”

I’m not!

I haven’t!

Don’t drag me in!

Xingyu’s heart swung with panic.

She longed to settle her debts with Herrera, yes—

but only in secret.

Never publicly.

If she challenged and fell before crowds of cheering girls…

she would rather retire from the Alliance entirely.

And yet—

some words among those chants pierced her.

“…It’s true,” she admitted softly.

“If we don’t respond in some way,

we risk returning to that time again—

when Herrera sat astride all our necks,

ruling us by wanton cruelty.”

That dark era…

The Aurora Witch rampaging unchecked.

Every magical girl living under her shadow.

Back then, even the mere name “Herrera”

was enough to shake morale,

to erode fighting spirit.

Seven years on,

a new generation had risen bright with resolve.

That suffocating past could not be allowed to take root again.

Jinwang, seeing Xingyu cornered, sought to smooth things over.

But before she could, Sheyu suddenly barked out.

“All of you, shut up!”

Silence fell at once.

Even if she wasn’t yet Ten Seat,

as a foremost candidate her voice carried weight.

“You all saw Herrera’s display just now.

And you still think we can take her lightly?”

“Well… it was impressive,” one muttered,

“but surely the Ten Seats can do just as much… can’t they?”

“Huh?” Sheyu froze.

“Yes, that blue technique looked terrifying…

but surely Ten Seat-level magical girls could still face her?”

The whispers made Sheyu’s eyes widen.

What nonsense are you people saying…?!

And then she remembered.

When Herrera had fought Xingyu,

she hadn’t displayed her old crushing dominance at all.

It had seemed like equal footing—

countering blow with blow, exploiting weaknesses carefully—

until the final strike closed the bout.

It left the false impression

that the gap between them wasn’t that big.

[Was that… also Herrera’s plan all along?!]

Cold went down her back.

Did this signify the Aurora Witch preparing to hunt en masse again?

Xingyu stepped in to rescue the situation.

“Everyone calm yourselves!

We cannot underestimate her.

What mattered today was not her words—

but the battlefield we have yet to clean up.

Focus on our work first!”

That shook the group back to sense.

Yes—

there were still wrecked beasts, casualties, and defenses to tend.

“This, too: what Herrera said today must never spread.

Not a word. Seal your mouths. Understood?”

“Understood!”

“Understood!”

---

And the very next day,

Herrera’s arrogant proclamation swept across the entire Alliance.

“Why is this happening!”

Xingyu slammed her forehead into her desk hard enough to redden it.

“Well, it was predictable.

Magical girls are no disciplined corps.

They’re scattered, young, and unrestrained.

You can’t expect them to keep secrets like a covert unit.”

“Jinwang, you’re leaving today, aren’t you?”

“Mm. I can’t neglect my post too long.”

She hesitated,

then pulled a chair to sit across from Xingyu.

“Tell me something.

Now that your sister Liyun is back…

do you still truly hate Herrera?”

“…”

Xingyu’s hand stilled mid-document.

“Why ask that?”

“Because before, your anger all centered on your sister’s suffering.

Now that reason’s gone…

I wonder—what do you really intend regarding her?”

“…Of course I want her captured,

and given the fairest, most just trial!”

Her answer lagged a brief 0.05 seconds.

“I see…”

Jinwang smiled softly, unconvinced by the lie.

“And you?” Xingyu asked back.

“Me?”

After thought, she replied slowly:

“I just want to ask her one thing.

What’s different now—

between the me of today

and the me she once knew.”

That, deep down, was her truest wish.

“…Then let me judge instead.”

“Oh? Please do.”

Xingyu’s eyes sharpened.

“Ahem.”

She coughed twice, then declared sternly:

“You’ve really been bedazzled senseless by her, haven’t you?

Back then, you strapped yourself tight, flattening your chest, tying your hair.

And now? Look at yourself!

Spilling those lumps out like displays

when you used to hate them most.

And that hair! Far too flashy!”

“…”

Jinwang choked, taken aback by the blunt words.

“Um. Thank you? For the evaluation?”

“You see? Still so mild!

Can’t you show some backbone?”

“Ah, I can’t help it.

This is just my true self.

All that austere composure from before was nothing but my own act.

My crafted persona.”

She sighed. Best drop the subject.

“More importantly—I propose officially adding Sheyu to the Ten Seat roster.

Her performance yesterday was outstanding.”

“Mm. She can begin learning First-Tier magic soon.

Once she masters it, she’ll be fit to ascend.”

“And Zhou Xi as well. She’s promising enough for candidacy.”

“Agreed. I’ll raise it at the next Ten Seat council.”

The business handled, Xingyu wrote on—

then paused.

“Say… didn’t Sheyu also once fall prey to Herrera?”

“She did.”

“And under her strongest form, no less.

Yesterday must’ve shaken her badly…”

“Most likely. Her reaction was quite intense.”

“Hopefully she moves beyond it.”

After some time, Jinwang departed for her station once more.

Not long after, Liyun entered—

already transformed as a magical girl again.

“Sis.”

“Liyun!”

Xingyu’s face bloomed with rare joy.

No matter her troubles,

her sister’s restored form could always lift her spirits.

“Is it bad again today, sis?”

“Mm. Come over.

Read with me—

you need to reacquaint yourself with Alliance work anyway.”

She handed over the documents.

Damages of the Wangyue Star Ring.

The singularity core gone,

the 13th Pass nearly lost.

Luckily, with Wangchuan perishing there,

the beast tide hadn’t immediately resumed.

A bitter fortune among misfortune.

Already they were accelerating construction

on a new Wangyue-class Super Ring,

80% done, finishing soon.

But the troubles remained.

Who had unleashed Wangchuan?

Who was backing them?

And who was this mysterious Chiyu?

Most vexing of all—

from where had Wangchuan learned its magic?

That meant suspicion must turn inward.

The Alliance itself might harbor traitors.

“After this, you also need to visit headquarters in Deheim.

Refine your inherent magic.

I’ll accompany you, as will Xingyue.

We’ll investigate along the way.”

“And remember to apologize at the Ten Seat council.

They’ve all been worried for you.”

“You’ll be under my command here for a while.

No rushing to the frontlines yet.

First—”

“姐!” (Sister!)

Liyun suddenly cut her off.

Xingyu blinked at the interruption.

“What is it?” she asked softly.

“I want to defeat Herrera.”

“…?!”

The pen slipped in her hand.

A shaky smile flickered.

“W-where’s that coming from?”

“Sister!”

Liyun grasped her shoulders firmly.

Their gazes locked.

The panic in Xingyu’s chest eased.

Her sister’s eyes shone bright—

not like the vacant girl from before.

Now her resolve burned aflame.

Xingyu cupped her cheeks.

“Then tell me. What do you mean?”

“Mm. I mean we must settle it with her once and for all.

Not now—

only when we’re ready.

By your side, together.”

Her eyes flashed like firebrands.

“This is my calling, as magical girl Liyun.

Our destiny is not defeat—

but dream.”

“Sis, help me.

Together we can do it!”

Xingyu’s heart surged beyond words…

but the next instant—

“After we beat Herrera,

I’ll put a collar on her.

Drag her home as our pet.

She’ll atone for what she did to you—

to us—

by becoming ours.”

“…A lofty goal. Sister supports you!”

“Mm mm mm mm mm??”

What did she just say?

What did I just answer?!

---

Jiuming Sea.

Ji Yue wandered the streets in a daze.

Behind her, Zhou Xi’s calls went unheard.

“Ji Yue! Look out!”

“Huh—ah!”

Ji Yue smacked into a thick cement pillar.

Clutching her head, she squatted, hissing in pain.

“You okay?” Zhou Xi hurried over.

“…I’m fine.”

“You’re thinking about Herrera, aren’t you?”

“Mm…”

Standing again, Ji Yue flicked her sore wrist aside.

Her voice grew heavy.

“I’m worried about yesterday’s declaration.

It’ll bait so many girls into her trap…

and they’ll suffer.”

She remembered the words:

“If you can surpass me,

the recognition you’ll gain will be immense.

You’ll avenge your seniors.

Earn their approval too.”

Of course it would spread.

And reckless girls would come.

Not seeking fame.

But seeking revenge for their seniors.

Seeking their acknowledgment.

Because for magical girls, the bonds with those who trained and guided them

were everything.

Every rookie had a senior who shepherded her along.

Those bonds became unbreakable.

Oft their closest sisters.

And so, inevitably,

a tide of ignorant girls would follow one by one into the pit.

Then crawl back out weeping, bare to the bone.

Ji Yue knew it.

But she couldn’t stop it.

And what could she do…?