Chapter 12: The Seeds of Torment Are Sown

The digital realm, however, was not beyond the reach of law.

Unrestricted freedom of speech, to a certain extent, became a form of unfreedom.

Thus, when it came to regulating discourse, the Magical Girls had their own countermeasures.

The principle was both simple and straightforward.

They had virtually monopolized every online communication channel.

With all discourse under their watchful eye, they could immediately quash any serious issues the moment they arose.

There was a stark difference between making provocative remarks (TL Note: ‘kǒu hāi,’ internet slang for spouting nonsense or inflammatory statements) in real life and doing so online.

This, then, was how Illo had managed to find Su Qianyu.

Though, admittedly, she hadn’t relied solely on the Magical Girls’ channels.

Just moments earlier, Illo had received a report from an anonymous netizen.

Naturally, the content comprised everything Su Qianyu had posted.

She didn’t even need to ponder to know the identity of this anonymous informant.

Yet, instead of exposing the truth, she chose to keep this secret for the time being.

Her reason was simple: another method of tormenting Su Qianyu had just occurred to her.

A method that would drive Su Qianyu to utter despair.

“Remember, strive to maintain a good relationship with her; it will prove immensely useful in the future.”

After finishing their meal and returning to the classroom, Illo gave this instruction.

Responding to the latter, Su Qianyu slumped back into her seat, her tail drooping.

On her desk, books about Magical Girls were piled high.

From time to time, a few enigmatic documents would drift over, landing atop the wall of books.

While initially surprised, Su Qianyu’s tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed as she recalled the province she had transmigrated from—a place notorious for its missing manhole covers.

Considering that, it didn’t seem like all that much after all.

After all, this school primarily focused on cultivating first-rate Magical Girls and second-rate support staff.

But Su Qianyu paid no mind to any of this.

Her sole concern was when she could finally cause a colossal mess for Illo.

Up front, the teacher droned on about knowledge of obscure significance.

She truly couldn’t fathom why the very first lesson in becoming a Magical Girl began with learning the definition of a Magical Girl.

She didn’t understand, but she supported it nonetheless.

The afternoon lessons commenced swiftly, and just as in the morning, after glancing at her Class Monitor deskmate, Su Qianyu began fiddling with her phone.

“Damn it, why aren’t they replying anymore?”

Gazing at the ‘read but not replied’ status on her phone, Su Qianyu grew increasingly anxious.

They had always replied instantly before; why was there no response now, not even a peep?

‘No way, could they think I’m trying to trick them?!’

Her heart sinking, Su Qianyu immediately considered the worst possible scenario.

Mischief-makers (TL Note: ‘lè zi rén,’ internet slang for people who enjoy creating or watching drama unfold for their own amusement) were certainly not uncommon in this era; surely, the other party wouldn’t mistake her for one of them?

In moments of desperation, people invariably clung to their last glimmer of hope, and Su Qianyu was no exception.

Just as she prepared to send another message, urging a response, her phone vibrated twice, bringing Su Qianyu a rare surge of hope.

However, upon reading the other party’s message, the girl’s eyebrows, far from relaxing, drew together even tighter, gradually knotting into a frown.

Hmm? What did they mean by ‘it would be best if you could film a clear video of a Magical Girl bullying someone’?

And the requirements included dialogue, as well as the full context and consequences?

Had the bar for being a hater (TL Note: ‘hēi zi,’ internet slang for an anti-fan or troll) become so incredibly high now?

Harboring these questions, Su Qianyu typed out her reply, word by word.

Yet, she received no explanation; instead, she was met with a barrage of urgent messages from the other party.

–I know this is difficult, but this is an order!

–Only you can collect such clear photos now!

–So, could I ask you to try a little harder!

Silence, profound silence.

As she stared at the conversation on her phone, Su Qianyu’s expression instantly transformed into one of utter bewilderment (TL Note: ‘dì tiě lǎo rén shǒu jī,’ an internet meme describing an expression of profound confusion or disbelief).

‘These demands… they’re a bit inhuman, aren’t they?’

‘Are they asking me to film Illo beating me up after she transforms?’

Su Qianyu felt she hadn’t yet reached the point of becoming a masochist (TL Note: ‘dǒu M,’ a slang term for a masochist).

She was, for the time being, still afraid of pain.

Pain was simply pain; it wouldn’t bring her pleasure.

Perhaps Su Qianyu’s expression was a little too conspicuous, for the Class Monitor beside her desk quickly took notice.

“What’s wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No.”

Su Qianyu shook her head.

But then, a mischievous idea suddenly sparked in her mind.

Since the Class Monitor was acquainted with Illo… perhaps she might know what Illo truly detested?

And so, Su Qianyu turned her gaze to her deskmate.

“Um, I still don’t know your name?”

Blinking twice, Su Qianyu asked.

“Oh… oh, look at my memory!”

The girl, who was the Class Monitor, tapped her head, clearly displaying far less of the robotic demeanor (TL Note: ‘rén jī wèi,’ internet slang describing a stiff, unnatural, or overly formal behavior, like that of an AI) she had shown that morning.

“You… mm, just call me Qincai!”

Observing her smile, Su Qianyu, taking the cue, introduced herself in turn.

The two chatted intermittently during class, and as the moment gradually ripened, Su Qianyu soon found the opportune time when the bell rang for dismissal.

“Um, are you and Illo… very close?”

At the casual mention of Illo’s name, Qincai nodded.

“Of course we know each other! She’s my precious best friend, you know?”

“And it was her idea for me to accidentally hurt your tail with a hug today!”

Hearing this, Su Qianyu felt a sense of relief.

She thought as much.

While a familiar aura emanated from the other party, what stranger would casually embrace her so fiercely as to almost break her tail?

It turned out, all of this had been orchestrated by Illo.

Yet, while she might be moved by this revelation, the task at hand still needed to be pursued.

Taking the conversational reins and steering the topic once more, Su Qianyu quickly found another opening and successfully posed her question.

“So, Qincai, do you know what Illo dislikes?”

Another seemingly casual inquiry, Su Qianyu cast two curious glances at her, clearly anticipating an answer.

Though a small gesture, it was a psychological suggestion!

To capture Illo ‘seeing red’ (TL Note: ‘hóng wēn,’ internet slang describing someone becoming extremely angry or losing their temper) and beating her up, Su Qianyu would stop at nothing!

She wasn’t a masochist, but for victory, she would do anything!

Everything was for victory!

However, after a moment’s thought, Qincai shook her head.

“It seems… nothing?”

“Really nothing?”

Qincai offered no reply.

Just as Su Qianyu was about to sigh in resignation, Qincai suddenly jolted, as if struck by a realization.

“Oh, right! Look at my memory, I almost forgot!”

“What? What is it?”

Observing the little fox girl’s face alight with anticipation, Qincai let out a mischievous chuckle.

“I won’t tell you!”

“How could you!”

Su Qianyu had never imagined that Qincai would intentionally tease her like this.

Sure enough, there was a reason these two got along so well!

Fortunately, Qincai was only playfully mischievous, and she soon revealed what Illo detested.

But as she listened to this information, Su Qianyu froze.

No, this… this?

Although Su Qianyu admitted that she was usually rather carefree and paid little attention to minor details.

Yet, to hear of someone hating others for ‘acting foolishly’ (TL Note: ‘fàn shāo,’ slang for behaving foolishly, getting overly excited, or losing one’s cool in an embarrassing or irrational manner) was a first for her.

“What you just said, is it really true?”

Qincai nodded emphatically.

“Of course! I am absolutely certain and positive that she detests this!”

“If someone were to act like that, she would one hundred percent beat that person up!”

Sucking in a sharp breath, Su Qianyu fell into deep contemplation.

Unbeknownst to her, however, Illo was secretly reveling in delight from a hidden corner.

‘This psychography (TL Note: ‘niàn xiě,’ a psychic ability to transmit thoughts or images, or influence minds) ability… it’s truly useful, isn’t it?’

Hehe.