Turbulence at the Flip Park (9)

“So, that’s the plan.”

As overall commander of the operation, Frosttail quickly briefed Raging Flame and Huang Xing on the strategy they’d just finalized.

“Hey, Captain… isn’t this a bit much? They’re both rookies—only been active for a month or two,” Violet Lightning asked, concern in her voice.

“That’s why their task is simple: distract the fourth tentacle on the right. Just keep it from interfering with our main assault,” Frosttail replied.

“Of course. If either of you feel it’s too difficult, you don’t have to participate. Don’t feel ashamed or pressured—this enemy is far beyond what new magical girls should handle.”

“No, I’m joining.”
“Well then, I’ll just back out.”

Raging Flame and Huang Xing spoke at the exact same moment—but gave opposite answers. They locked eyes, stunned by the contradiction.

“…You’re not going?” Raging Flame muttered, disappointment heavy in her voice.

“Then I’ll go alone.”

“Ugh, fine! I’ll go, okay?!” Huang Xing snapped, throwing up her hands in exasperation.

She hadn’t wanted to fight. The moment she saw the monstrous octopus up close, she’d already considered bailing. With veterans like these here, she could’ve just let them handle it…

But now, thanks to Raging Flame’s stubbornness, she was dragged into the mess.

“Why do you suddenly look so pitiful? Like a kicked puppy…”
“You make it impossible to say no…” Huang Xing grumbled under her breath, too quietly for anyone to hear.

“Anyway,” Frosttail continued, “Purple Lightning has a point. Your safety comes first. If things get dangerous, retreat immediately. We’ll handle the rest.”

“Oh—and can you contact Senior Tidal?” Violet Lightning suddenly asked.

“Senior Tidal? I called earlier, but there was no answer,” Raging Flame said.

“I tried before coming too. No response. That’s weird… she always picks up instantly,” Huang Xing added, frowning.

“Man… if only Senior were here,” Violet Lightning sighed wistfully.

“She wouldn’t want us relying on her forever,” Frosttail said firmly. “Even the greats started as beginners. If we keep depending on them every time things get tough, we’ll never reach [Four Petals].”

“Captain’s all wisdom today,” Violet Lightning chuckled.

“Alright. Time to move out.”

Frosttail scanned the group of magical girls.

“One last confirmation of positions.”

“Left one: Violet Lightning. Left two: Mieni.”
“Left three: Frosttail. Right one: Nikkou. Right two: Tsukishake.”
“And right four: Raging Flame and Huang Xing. You two just need to pin down that tentacle—don’t let it interfere. Understood?”

A chorus of affirmations rose.

“Then, as commander of this joint operation—I declare: Operation Start!”

Brrring! Brrring!

Tidal’s phone buzzed violently on the passenger seat, sliding into the gap between cushion and backrest.

Two to three hundred meters away, on an open training ground, two magical girls faced off beneath a clear sky.

“Today’s focus: find openings to counterattack while evading attacks,” Rosetta said.

With a flick of her fingers, rose petals scattered across the ground, forming a five-meter-diameter circle around her.

“If you can force me out of this ring before you collapse from exhaustion—you win. Otherwise, you fail.”

“Got it,” Tidal nodded.

“Then… let’s begin?”

Rosetta raised a finger. Instantly, countless rose petals swirled into a dense pink fog above them—like a storm cloud made of flowers.

To most, it might’ve looked beautiful.

But Tidal knew better.

This wasn’t beauty—it was pure threat. Oppression.

“Hmm… it’s been a while,” Rosetta rubbed her temples, pretending to think. “Ah yes—I call this technique [Wild Bite].”

At her words, a tendril split from the main cloud—diving toward Tidal like a striking serpent.

Black Wing used feathers. Rosetta used rose petals.

Different materials, same terrifying intent.

But unlike their first encounter, Tidal didn’t flinch. She’d already charged multiple [Boost Shots].

—WHOOSH!

Orange-yellow beams pierced the cloud. Petals vaporized midair, disintegrating into nothing.

Back when fighting Black Wing, a single Boost Shot could only scatter [Wild Bite] temporarily.

Now, with mastery, she could erase it entirely—same charge time, vastly greater power.

“Not bad. All that training paid off,” Rosetta admitted, a rare smile tugging at her lips.

“But now… comes the real test.”

More tendrils peeled from the cloud—ten, twenty, dozens—all swirling, shifting, hunting.

Like vipers tasting the air, waiting to strike.

“…Isn’t this overkill?”

Training usually went from one to five difficulty, step by step. But jumping from one attack to dozens?

Tidal swallowed hard, staring up at the nightmare above.

“You really think Black Wing held back? This is basic training,” Rosetta said coldly.

The battle raged on.

Tidal held up well—but as the relentless assault continued, unease crept into her heart.

Not from the attacks.

From something deeper. A feeling.

…Something’s wrong in Shangjing.

Instinctively, she reached for her phone—then froze.

It’s still in the car.

That split-second distraction was all it took.

One [Wild Bite] broke through.

No time to charge. No time for a proper shield.

She braced—just barely holding the barrier together.

—CRACK!

The impact hit like a speeding truck.

Even though the shield held, the sheer force sent her flying—back slamming into the earth with a brutal thud.