"All in all, based on what we discussed this morning, our previous agreement is temporarily void."
That evening, at the base's dining table, the magical girls gathered after dinner. After a brief preamble, Asō Madoka announced to everyone, "Even if you lose the match, neither side will be bound by anything. Winning doesn't mean you have to take the exam, and losing doesn't mean you can't. Those taking the exam can take it, and those going home can go home. Well, I'm sorry for changing things so suddenly, but that's how it is now."
No one responded immediately.
Not only the Fangting City Squad, but even the Bai'an City Squad—her own teammates—looked at her in confusion. Apparently, none of them understood what Asō Madoka was up to.
But even if they did not understand, someone had to pick up the conversation. In the end, Xia Liang took the initiative to shoulder that responsibility.
"Then... may I ask, if there's no longer a restriction that we have to defeat your squad before we can take the exam, is there still any need to continue the match?"
"There is."
Larkspur, who had remained silent until then, answered, "Treat it as a chance to understand the intensity of the exam and learn about the strength of magical girls your own age. You've still encountered far too few magical girls. This opportunity for actual combat should not be missed."
"An opportunity for actual combat..."
Xia Liang thoughtfully glanced toward the Bai'an City Squad, then nodded to Larkspur. "I understand. I'll prepare seriously."
"Mm." Larkspur nodded back at her, then looked around at the others. "That's roughly the conclusion. The rest of you don't need to be so reserved either. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
As soon as she finished speaking,