Chapter 212

The Spell Formula called "Explosion" is most powerful because its high energy level is enough to easily blast through the Magic Barrier of an opponent of the same level.

At the same time, its biggest drawbacks are its range and stability. It can only be activated from its own center, and there is almost no way to extend its activation time. As long as the structure of the Explosion Spell Formula is constructed with the Fawo Runes, it will disintegrate on its own even if it is not activated.

This has led to the "Explosion" Spell Formula becoming a rather unpopular Spell Formula, because its cost-effectiveness as an attack Spell Formula is simply too low—it requires being extremely close to the enemy and casting several layers of Magic Barrier on oneself while casting it in order to escape unscathed. Calling it "humorous" is an understatement.

The most common use of this Spell Formula is for magical girls to use in a suicide attack when they feel they cannot defeat Aberrant Beast. With the awareness of inflicting heavy losses on both sides, they use all their magic power to try and deliver a fatal blow to the Aberrant Beast. For this reason, most magical girls rarely have a pleasant expression when talking about this Spell Formula.

However, a considerable number of magical girls who believed that "firepower is justice" persevered in improving the original "Explosion" Spell Formula, constantly trying to make up for its inherent flaws. Their efforts resulted in the creation of more advanced Spell Formula, expanding the "Explosion" Spell Formula into a true Spell Formula category, thus establishing the entire school of Explosion School Spell Formula.

Of course, these things have nothing to do with the current Xia Liang.

She learned the Spell Formula Explosion not out of interest, nor because she wanted to perish together with her enemies, but because she wanted to create a unique combination technique of her own.

Combining Explosion School Spell Formula with the Diversion to compensate for the lack of offensive capabilities of the Diversion itself, as well as the shortcomings of the Explosion School Spell Formula itself, was the suggestion that Larkspur gave to Xia Liang.

Although this suggestion was entirely based on Larkspur's conjecture and had not been verified in any way, Xia Liang chose to believe it and completed its prototype in just a few days.

And right now, this rudimentary combination technique is making its first appearance in front of others.

The magic power in Xia Liang's body had to be used to maintain her Magic Armament and then Spell Formula, especially the "Explosion" Spell Formula which was quite energy-consuming. It felt as if all the magic power in her body had been drained in an instant, and True Form she felt was a strong sense of exhaustion.

But the arrow was already on the string and had to be released; once the Spell Formula was activated, she had no way to stop it.

"Are you sure it's okay? Shouldn't we prepare to intervene?" Off the field, Larkspur looked at Asō Madoka again. "If this move is used, even if your team can survive, the surrounding residents will complain about us."

"... Then let's use some barriers to protect the area."

Asō Madoka, who had been feigning profundity, finally spoke up, "This move is interesting. Did you invent it?"

"It can only be considered as proposing an idea."

Larkspur shook his head. "I'm not sure if it will work until this child actually does it."

"The destructive power that can be felt simply from the flow of magic; if one can master this move, the assessment should indeed be no problem."

Asō Madoka exclaimed, "That's amazing! You can't tell at all that she's only been a magical girl for half a year. Her level of completion in every aspect is just too high."

"Are you just praising our team members all here? Where's that kid named Mimosa?"

Larkspur glanced at her again. "This kind of power is not something an ordinary Leaf Rank cultivator can handle. It's stronger than a typical Explosion Spell Formula. Aren't you worried about her safety?"

Is it safe...?

Muttering the two words Larkspur had mentioned, Asō Madoka slowly curled the corners of her lips, and then finally turned her head to look at Larkspur: "Sister, do you know what place Mimosa ranked in the practical exam when she got her White Card certification at the beginning of this year?"

"A practical exam?"

This word stirred up some memories for the Larkspur.

In her memory, she had only taken the Qualification Certification Exam once. However, since it was her second year as a magical girl, she skipped the White Card and took the Letter Card exam instead.

However, the assessment process is not too different. The written test for Qualification Certification Exam has several subjects, and the practical test also has several subjects. Some subjects even have elimination mechanisms. Those who can achieve high rankings must have earned their success through hard work and ability.

Asō Madoka was naturally aware of these things. In fact, when she achieved her results, her ranking was even slightly lower than that of Larkspur. So, it's unlikely that her bringing up this indicator now was unfounded.

"Judging from your expression, you probably realized it too. That kid is ranked very high, third place."

And this is the answer given by Asō Madoka.

As these words were spoken, the battle within the arena officially entered its climax.

"Hopefully the results won't be too outrageous..."

Staring at the blindingly Hibiscus Purple magical light before him, Xia Liang couldn't help but swallow hard. Then, with a forceful push, he sent out the fully activated Fawo Runes from his hand.

The purple light instantly pierced through Diversion row of mirrors, illuminating the entire track formed by the mirrors at a speed imperceptible to the naked eye, and bombarded the direction where the Mimosa was located.

Throughout this process, the Mimosa simply held its magic wand and quietly watched from the spot.

Contrary to what Larkspur had expected, she showed no intention of avoiding it.

Rather, although her contest with Xia Liang only lasted a few rounds, she never moved an inch throughout the entire encounter.

She watched as the light from the Spell Formula in Xia Liang's hand blossomed, then, amidst the ear-piercing roar, her mouth slightly open, she softly chanted:

"Protect me, Paiyan."

As soon as she finished speaking, the wand in her hand transformed into a small tambourine. She picked up the tambourine with her left hand and then lightly tapped it with the tips of a few fingers on her right hand.

"Bang"!

A crisp sound rang out, accompanied by an extremely subtle, light red magical energy. This energy spread rapidly, like ripples on the surface of water, and then, visibly, partially neutralized Xia Liang's Spell Formula.

Although it only offset part of it and did not completely eliminate it, that was enough.

With each strike, the tambourine emitted more and more magical patterns. Whenever this magic touched Xia Liang's Spell Formula, it would dissipate some of the energy within the Spell Formula, thus continuously reducing its power.

And this entire process was completed in almost just one second.

A second later, when Xia Liang's Spell Formula reached the Mimosa, the Spell Formula's structure, which had become extremely loose, was no longer as powerful as before and was easily blocked by the Mimosa's defense, which consisted of several layers of Magic Barrier.

She didn't move an inch until the process was over.

At the same time, Xia Liang, whose magic power had been drained by this explosive combination attack, could no longer maintain her transformed form. Her magical attire dissipated, and she collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.

"So... tired."

Unable to speak, Xia Liang braced herself with her hands on the ground, facing the floor, feeling the sweat slide down her cheeks and finally drip onto the ground, her mind completely blank.

She couldn't even think about winning or losing, nor could she care about the fact that her "secret weapon" had been easily defeated by her opponent in its very first appearance; she could only gasp for breath in vain.

After all, the fatigue in True Form cannot be relieved by breathing.

Can it still be used?

Standing opposite her, Mimosa tilted her head. "If there's a second shot, it'll be difficult."

"... That's all."

Blinking her eyes, Xia Liang answered honestly.

She could sense that she still possessed some magic, but right now she couldn't even move, so bluffing was pointless.

Although she had expected her opponent to be formidable before the duel, she never anticipated that her opponent would be this strong.

An ordinary Leaf Rank magical girl would absolutely not be able to handle this Spell Formula, and even a Chrysalis-level Aberrant Beast would likely be blasted to pieces by it. Yet, the opponent accepted it with such ease.

However, she was surprisingly not finding it hard to accept. Rather, she knew she was likely to lose as soon as she learned that her opponent was a "senior who had advanced to the Leaf Rank a year earlier".

If she could, she wouldn't really want to lose. After all, it was a rare opportunity to spend time alone with her junior, and she had even improved her fighting style under his long-awaited individual guidance. Such a memorable moment would be perfect to end with a victory.

Now...

Keeping her head down, Xia Liang glanced sideways at Larkspur, who stood to the side with a furrowed brow and a worried expression.

... So it doesn't seem like a complete loss.

Thinking this, she took a few more breaths, and finally slowly raised her head, grinned, and looked at the Mimosa in front of her with a smile.

"I surrender."

Clean, crisp, and incredibly refreshing.

"Next match, White Rose versus White Thistle... Please enter the arena, both players!"

Moko's voice rang out again in the training field, but it didn't sound as loud as before.

The first round of the competition ended in defeat for the Fangting City Squad.

Lin Xiaolu felt tense and her palms were sweating at the result.

In her opinion, Xia Liang is undoubtedly the strongest fighter in the Fangting City Squad on paper right now.

Although she had always been somewhat unconvinced by her opponent, her progress in strength was undoubtedly inferior to that of her opponent due to the limitations of her own seed-level Blossoming.

Now, Xia Liang lost so easily, without even forcing his opponent to use their full strength, and his opponent didn't seem to be the strongest Bai'an City Squad.

She stole a glance at White Thistle, who was walking out of the line next to her, and clenched her fists slightly, telling herself to stay calm.

Although the members of the Bai'an City Squad didn't say it outright, there's a high probability that White Thistle is the strongest among them. And now, he'll have to face this opponent alone.

Furthermore, since Xia Liang lost a round right from the start, if he couldn't win the next round, the entire Fangting City Squad would lose.

At that moment, she felt an immense burden weighing on her shoulders.

What would happen if I lost? Would I fall further and further behind my mother? Would Larkspur be even more disappointed in me? If she was disappointed in me, what should I do?

Despite the good air circulation in the training ground, Lin Xiaolu felt like she was suffocating.

At this moment, White Thistle had walked to the middle of the training field and stood there straight, his gaze fixed on Lin Xiaolu. Clearly, he was wondering why his opponent hadn't come up yet.

Lin Xiaolu could only stiffly take her first steps.

--"White Rose."

Just then, a somewhat cold voice suddenly came from behind her.

She turned around and saw the Larkspur gesturing to her.

"W-What's wrong?" she asked, but her voice sounded hoarse.

"Don't be nervous, and don't worry about winning or losing."

The Larkspur spoke with great seriousness, yet in a gentle tone. "Show your progress to the fullest, boldly expose your shortcomings, and let me see you as you are now. That is the purpose of the competition."

After she finished speaking, she saw that Lin Xiaolu was just staring blankly at her, as if she hadn't heard her at all, so she could only ask helplessly, "Is that okay?"

"... Ah, um, okay."

Lin Xiaolu slowly nodded. "I understand, I will try my best."

She stepped into the center of the field once more, and this time, she finally met White Thistle's gaze.

"Let the Larkspur see me clearly now..." she murmured to herself, her expression growing increasingly resolute as if she could truly draw courage from those words.

The Heart Gem flashed, and she was adorned in her magical girl attire. Then, she raised her hand, and a shimmering blue magic orb slowly coalesced in her palm.

"Let's start here again." She looked at White Thistle with intense gaze.

White Thistle looked at the magic ball in Lin Xiaolu's hand, initially puzzled, probably wondering why she would choose a format she had already lost once to start the competition. Then, as if she had thought of something, a strange look flashed across her calm expression, and she inexplicably looked towards Asō Madoka outside the arena.

All she received was a thumbs-up from Asō Madoka.

"...I see. Well then, as you wish." She pursed her lips, remained silent for a moment, and then lowered her eyes to respond.

A sky-blue radiance surrounded her. She silently recited the transformation incantation and completed the transformation. Then she raised her hand, and the magic ball in her palm reflected the light of Lin Xiaolu.

The two paused slightly, then, as if by prior arrangement, simultaneously waved their hands forward and threw the magic spheres they held.

The magic of cyan and light blue collided in mid-air.

Because they were magic spheres, not Mana Beam, the magic from both sides did not immediately dissipate after colliding, but instead became entangled, even forming a stalemate.

However, this stalemate was only temporary.

In the blink of an eye, the blue magic power originating from the White Thistle suddenly trembled.

Like a roaring engine, the magic power vibrated at an extremely high frequency in a short period of time, and then pushed forward with a force that almost shattered Lin Xiaolu's magic power.

"So she can do it too..."

Seeing this scene, Xia Liang, sitting in the audience, was first slightly taken aback, then sighed, "This is going to be difficult, Xiao Lu."

"What do you mean by 'also'?" Larkspur suddenly asked from the side.

"That's it, that technique that seems to suddenly change the nature of magic."

Xia Liang pointed to White Thistle, who was facing off in the arena. "Senior, you saw it too, right? That child's magic flow suddenly started to vibrate. My opponent did the same thing before; I don't know why, but he could always tear through my magic with equal magic power."

"Did you understand the essence of that technique?" Without commenting on Xia Liang's answer, Larkspur continued to press.

"Essence? That's a bit of a..."

Slightly annoyed, Xia Liang narrowed his eyes and said helplessly, "I can't possibly figure out something like this after just a couple of moves. You overestimate me, young senior."

The Larkspur fell silent.

She didn't actually know what this unfamiliar technique was; at least during the few days she was active as a magical girl, she had never seen anyone use magic in this way.

But she didn't say much, and didn't even look at Asō Madoka beside her, even though she knew that this thing was 100% related to the other party.

She simply looked at Lin Xiaolu in the room, because she knew that if there was an answer, the best answer was with Lin Xiaolu.

The two magic orbs, locked in a stalemate, also showed a new change at this moment.

The pale blue magic, which had been steadily declining after the azure magic trembled, suddenly stopped its downward spiral. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, its form also began to become Rule.

The light blue magic that was spreading everywhere was like a melting snowball, constantly collapsing from the surface inwards, and then, at a certain moment, it suddenly burst into flames.

The magic seemed to have transformed into fire.

This performance finally changed the expressions of everyone present.

If Xia Liang and Bai Jingxuan in Fangting City were merely astonished by Lin Xiaolu's sudden change, then in Bai'an City, whether it was the Mimosa and Wood Lily on the sidelines or White Thistle on the field, their feeling at this moment was one of "shock".

"Do you see clearly now, sisters?"

Asō Madoka, who had been taciturn since the start of the competition, finally spoke, "This is the skill that I, along with my colleagues in the Investigation Institute, have perfected over the past ten years or so. It is also the capital that enabled me to be promoted to Flower Card."

"What's it called?" Without any exaggerated reaction, the Larkspur simply nodded, its gaze still fixed on Lin Xiaolu.

"I usually call it 'Turbidification,' or in plain terms, 'Simulated Offset.'"

As her gaze remained fixed on the flames within Lin Xiaolu's magic, Asō Madoka said calmly, "In short, it's a technique that artificially differentiates the underlying nature of magic, causing it to exhibit special properties."

"Simulated Offset? In which direction?"

Upon hearing this, Larkspur frowned. "This doesn't sound like a safe technique."

Because of the magical issues Bai Jingxuan had previously exhibited, and after repeatedly questioning Emerald, her understanding of the Magic Base Color had deepened considerably.

As Emerald previously stated, the underlying nature of magic represents the True Form, even the origin, of its possessor. Just as a magical girl's nature is that of a magical girl, and Aberrant Beast's nature is that of Aberrant Beast, this underlying nature is usually extremely difficult to change. A person who possesses both underlying natures is generally referred to as a "Offsetter."

A prime example is Claw Mark; these people are the ones who artificially shifted the magical girl's background towards that of Aberrant Beast —they are "Artificial Offsetter."

From any perspective, "deviation" doesn't seem like a safe thing. At least, both Bai Jingxuan and Claw Mark share the common characteristic of "instability."

"It hasn't leaned to either side; the essence of a magical girl remains that of a magical girl, without any impurities."

However, Asō Madoka chuckled and refuted Larkspur's point of view, "It's just that each magical girl's magic power is actually different, just like everyone's Magic Armament is unique. Although they use the same system of power, everyone has their own characteristics."

"Turbidification is taking a portion of magic from its 'common' aspect and allowing it to evolve towards its own 'individuality,' giving magic its own unique characteristics."

"That's why it's called a 'Simulated Offset,' because the fundamental nature of the magical girl hasn't changed; it's just that the process is somewhat similar."

At this point, the magic ball battle between Lin Xiaolu and White Thistle was coming to an end.

The trembling azure magic and the burning light blue magic clashed fiercely, with the light blue side ultimately gaining the upper hand. The flames overwhelmed the tremor patterns, burning them away completely.

Lin Xiaolu has the upper hand.

Even she herself hadn't expected that she would actually win in the same event.

But compared to her surprise, White Thistle, standing opposite her, had the most complicated feelings at this moment.

Incredible.

This perfectly reflects her current mood.

No one knew Lin Xiaolu's state a week ago better than her. Back then, she had used the technique of "Turbidification" during their private sparring session, and considering Lin Xiaolu's astonished expression afterward, it was clear that, at least at that time, Lin Xiaolu had absolutely no idea what "Turbidification" was.

Now, Lin Xiaolu can use this skill so easily, so there's no doubt that someone taught her.

Of everyone present, no one else possessed this ability except for Asō Madoka.

This is the first thing White Thistle doesn't understand: she doesn't understand why Asō Madoka would secretly teach Lin Xiaolu the technique of Turbidification.

But what I don't understand even more is why Lin Xiaolu was actually able to learn it.

This concept, which is currently only circulating in a very small circle, is actually a rather difficult skill. As a "unique technique" developed by Asō Madoka, it generally requires extremely high magical control talent and long-term practice to fully realize it.

It took White Thistle at least half a year to learn this trick, and the Mimosa has grown taller and shorter. There is another team member in Bai'an City, Wood Lily, who has not even mastered this skill yet.

So now, how long has it taken this opponent, who used the Turbidification in front of her, to finish?

"You... you've learned the mentor's Turbidification in just one week?"

Thinking of this, White Thistle couldn't help but ask this question.

You mean Turbidification?

Not knowing what the other person was thinking when they asked that question, Lin Xiaolu remained calm. She simply recalled the question and found the answer in her memory:

"It seems to be three days?"