The Departed: Ceruno

(Ceruno)

The potion is finished.

Mono was subjected to domestic violence by Miluno.

To be honest, there was no magic involved in the whole process. Although various special effects would appear when Barbara threw things into the pot, the whole process was actually just boiling medicine, much like decocting Chinese medicine.

These seven boxes of potions were originally sent by Sister Yin Wei to be transported, but since Miluno and I were both there, we decided to use teleportation magic to send them directly to the treatment facility.

Time is of the essence; the sooner the medicine is delivered, the sooner it can alleviate the pain of those magical girls.

"It's packed, let's go."

Having said that, Miluno carried four whole boxes of potions on her back.

"Miluno ..."

"What's wrong? You can't even lift one box?"

"No, it's just... my magic can reduce weight."

"It's alright, it's not a big deal for me."

She casually raised her hand, preparing to open the teleportation portal.

I quickly said, "Wait a minute! Let me open the teleportation portal!"

Miluno countered, "It's quite a distance from here to the treatment facility, do we need to jump around?"

"Perhaps we don't need to."

Having gone through this localized war, I haven't been completely without progress; Miss Sirius even said my adaptability has improved.

Especially when I was connected with the Imitation Crystal, I could feel the magic power within the Vega Crystal gradually increasing, and even after I removed the Imitation Crystal, there was no sign of it subsiding.

I have definitely become stronger, it's just that it's not visually apparent in my magic.

I drew my Ruby Wand, activated the targeted healing mechanism, and drew a pink halo in the air... This was proof of success.

"Mono, you're gone."

"Oh!"

Hearing Miluno's call, little Mono ran over carrying a box.

"Remember to hide your horns; the witch is cracking down on this right now."

"Hmm..."

Mono put down the box, tugged at his bangs, and finally put on a camouflage baseball cap.

Is this okay?

Well, at least it covered up the two chubby little horns on his forehead.

Passing through the teleportation tunnel, I arrived at the main entrance of the treatment facility. The pungent smell characteristic of hospitals assaulted my nostrils, causing me to sneeze involuntarily.

"Achoo--"

The treatment facility has access control and security guards on duty.

Due to the localized fighting a few days ago, security at the medical facility has been extremely tight recently.

Miluno, carrying four conspicuous boxes of potions, stepped forward and explained her purpose.

"We're here to deliver medicine; these are potions Barbara concocted."

As the Galaxy duo, we are considered somewhat famous magical girls in Skyreach City.

Therefore, they were allowed to pass without even needing any identification.

"Miluno? What brings you here?"

A tall magical girl approached, her body bandaged and her steps labored.

Previously, to protect the shelter, she used her body as a city gate, holding back the Monster that rushed in and pushing them all back out...

She insisted on directing operations at the time, but she still got injured.

"Teacher Bai Ze, it seems we've come to deliver medicine to you."

She squinted and smiled.

"Ceruno's here too? Sorry, classes will be suspended for the next couple of days."

"Please don't say that!"

Miluno accompanied Miss Barbara to the pharmacy, and I helped Teacher Bai Ze sit down in the lobby's rest area.

"Are you out for a walk?" I asked.

"I'm not seriously injured, you can't keep me locked in a hospital room all day, can you?"

Teacher Bai Ze's magic is hardening, which not only makes enemies more resistant to damage but also strengthens defensive fortifications and can even render enemies incapable of moving. It is an excellent defensive magic.

She ruffled my hair, revealing a kind and gentle smile.

"So, you went to help Miss Shenmu refine medicine?"

How did you know?

"Silly girl, you smell strongly of herbs. You wouldn't leave such a strong odor when delivering medicine."

The smell of medicine?

I pulled up my collar and sniffed my own body, but I couldn't smell anything.

"Hehe, I can't smell it myself~"

After spending the entire afternoon by the medicine-refining cauldron, my nose was completely numb.

"Teacher, are the seriously injured magical girls out of danger?"

Basically, yes.

"Call..."

Our advantage is that magical girls can always fully recover unless they die on the spot.

"Twenty-six magical girls have been killed in this operation. It's been a long time since we've had such heavy casualties. Perhaps this is the price we paid for our complacency."

Since Teacher Bai Ze said that, I asked:

"... Has this happened Past?"

In my opinion, this operation is the largest ever.

"In the early stages of the war, the deaths of magical girls were commonplace. Back then, every invading Monster was as strong as the one that came this time. The magical girls fought with their lives on the line, as were the unsung heroes of this world—the soldiers and police officers who weren't chosen... But sometimes, even risking one's life has its limits."

The past is too painful to recall, and Teacher Bai Ze sighed softly.

Despite her youthful appearance, she looked rather old-fashioned.

"Times have changed. We are no Past."

On the Other Side, due to the collapse of the world, they were already somewhat exhausted. The previous invasion was their struggle when they were forced to the limit. Although they paid a price, we held on.

As long as we can keep at it and wear them down, final victory will still belong to us...

But right now, the entire world is gripped by panic because of this war. The pervasive negativity and low morale have given darkness ample room to fester. Can we really bring down "the Other Side" before the Corruption Rate reaches the threshold of the "Great Will's " arrival?

If the Supreme Council were to launch another localized amphibious landing operation, could we handle it better?

Putting everything else aside...

The "witch" whom Miluno called the "Great Hand" possessed power that we are currently unable to contend with.

Fortunately, the Association and the magical girls tacitly concealed this existence; otherwise, the public's panic would have escalated to another level.

"Well."

Thinking about this, I sighed along with Teacher Bai Ze.

After carrying the potions, Miluno, along with Barbara and Freya, walked over in this direction.

"What are you talking about? Miss Bai Ze, why isn't Sky Lock with you today?"

"She still has classes."

"I thought she took time off to come and take care of you."

"It's not a big problem for me, don't treat me like an old lady."

Teacher Bai Ze smiled and waved his hand. Miluno then looked at me and asked, "So what do we say now? Should we go back to the City School for rehearsals or take a walk around the city?"

Since the choice has been given to me, my answer is definitely...

"Let's go out and play!"

We've already rehearsed everything perfectly!

This is a rare opportunity, and I'd like to take Miss Barbara out for a walk.

Miluno also showed a rare, natural smile.

"Barbara, how about we go buy some clothes and get a new look?"

Barbara hesitated for a moment, then looked down at her simple white dress...

[No problem]

She held up the tablet.