Ch. 601Arrival from the Star Realm
Plot points and events
- The Magical Girls prepare a trap for Garuda: if it enters a Mindscape through one of its giant eggs, Red Rose will take control, hatch the egg as its sole observer, and confront Garuda in its true form.
- Su Tianqing quietly prepares an emergency weapon in case the plan fails. Meanwhile, the girls endure the citywide loss of electricity and communications; Su Tianqing’s Codex-purchased wireless network is a rare exception.
- As they wait on a rooftop, the girls share memories beneath the unusually clear, star-filled sky. Their quiet conversation ends when Inari detects Garuda’s egg entering a Mindscape.
- Su Tianqing locates the egg in Hyacinth’s Mindscape, Escape from Foxkov. Red Rose takes control and plans to retrieve Hyacinth, while Su Tianqing alerts the other guards and checks for the person drawn into the Phantasm Dream Mindscape.
- None of the expected candidates appears to have been taken. The plan’s assumptions seem to be failing—until Marigold arrives in panic and reports that Shasha vanished while they were together. Su Tianqing realizes Shasha is tonight’s victim.
Character developments and interactions
- Su Tianqing / Heartmoon Fox is resourceful and cautious: she has an emergency plan, uses a special network item, identifies the egg’s location, and quickly recognizes what Shasha’s disappearance means.
- Red Rose takes charge of the dangerous Mindscape operation, while Inari tracks Garuda’s magic and tries to clarify how Shasha vanished.
- Scarlet Snow reveals nostalgic memories of childhood power cuts and catches Marigold when she nearly falls. She reassures the frightened girl, though she cannot promise to rescue Shasha.
- Marigold, shaken and tearful, pleads with Scarlet Snow to save Shasha. Her account reveals that Shasha disappeared in the middle of an ordinary moment.
Significant themes
- Risk and contingency: The trap offers a rare chance to face Garuda, but could leave Red Rose exposed; Su Tianqing prepares a last-resort weapon.
- Uncertainty and misdirection: The team’s careful control of what Shasha can see does not prevent her from becoming the victim, undermining their expectations.
- Modern dependence and natural beauty: The blackout disrupts daily life, yet the absence of light pollution lets the girls appreciate the night sky and reminisce.
- Teamwork under pressure: Each Magical Girl contributes—through strategy, tracking, leadership, or support—as the situation suddenly turns urgent.