Chapter 25: The Price of Freedom: A Donation and a Dilemma

Within the Magical Girl domain, an online meeting was convened. Its primary purpose was to issue a bounty for the remaining masked individuals. As for further intelligence, the Magical Girls had not actually acquired any. What was particularly noteworthy was that Emerald had sent her a private message.

“How did you manage to defeat Snake Mask?”

While some Magical Girls’ battles were witnessed, others remained unseen. For instance, the circumstances of Magical Girl Ink Crystal’s victory over Snake Mask were quite perplexing. Others might not know, but Emerald was acutely aware that this particular Magical Girl absolutely lacked the capability to defeat Snake Mask.

“I received assistance from someone else; it’s quite difficult to describe the specifics. If you have time, you could ask Snake Mask herself. She might be able to provide answers. She should be in prison by now, shouldn’t she?”

Indeed, wasn’t she in prison? She was likely still undergoing interrogation. He Yao surmised that Liu Xingyue must be quite bewildered at the moment, uncertain of the precise situation. However, he had no intention of dwelling on Liu Xingyue’s thoughts.

His current focus was on how to become even stronger. The reality was, the current Ink Crystal was quite weak. Not only would she not be considered powerful on a national or global scale, but even within Qingkong City, she wasn’t particularly strong.

This contradicted his understanding. What happened to the promise of black and white being additional warriors? What about being overpowered? Wasn’t this the level of someone getting thoroughly thrashed?

He Yao began compiling data on his computer, analyzing Ink Crystal’s condition, and brainstorming alternative combat methods that could better unleash her power, or perhaps, ways to further stimulate her abilities. He resolved to enroll in Carnelian’s training during the winter break.

For now, however, he still had to attend school. Though he personally felt there was nothing left to learn, a student’s duty was to study, and he couldn’t simply take an extended leave.

Of course, this matter was largely resolved. What remained was the pursuit of the masked villains. Rainbow Jade had reportedly taken the initiative, declaring that Qingkong City would not tolerate their existence.

That was indeed reassuring. He had previously devised a patrol plan himself, and during his rounds, he might pay closer attention. However, such villains would likely be difficult to locate.

After all, they hadn’t truly merged with the monstrous fiends. As long as they concealed their so-called ‘Saints’ and ‘Holy Relics,’ these villains could potentially live as ordinary citizens within the city, especially since they always wore masks.

Naturally, those who had already been apprehended were a different story. However, he heard that the authorities had begun screening, primarily focusing on cancer patients. Based on the nature of these monstrous fiends, a thorough check of all diagnosed cancer patients in the city would surely yield results.

They wouldn’t be able to hide much longer. Therefore, as far as this matter was concerned, it no longer had anything to do with Magical Girl Ink Crystal.

He sent a message to Lin Han, explaining the situation between himself and his parents. In fact, revealing this to Teacher Lin Han was quite beneficial. This way, if any issues arose—for example, a sudden need to transform into a Magical Girl to fight villains or monstrous fiends—Teacher Lin could provide some cover.

With this thought in mind, and seizing the opportunity while it was still Sunday, he transformed into Magical Girl Ink Crystal, dispelled the magic that obscured perception, and took a few alluring photos of himself in front of the full-length mirror, which he then sent to Lin Han’s phone.

“Teacher~ Am I prettier, or is Teacher Liu prettier?”

She knew Lin Han had dined with Liu Yun last night. From her perspective, there was no doubt that Teacher Liu liked Teacher Lin, as Teacher Liu was quite popular. She hadn’t seen her being so close with other teachers—the girl was making it so obvious…

She also wondered how Teacher Liu had taken a liking to Teacher Lin. While Teacher Lin was a good person, he was clearly a penniless enthusiast obsessed with motorcycle modifications. The woman who married Teacher Lin in the future would truly be blessed.

“No teasing your teacher! (Angry)”

Ink Crystal couldn’t help but smile upon seeing Lin Han’s reply.

“Oh~ So Teacher Liu is prettier then?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“So I’m prettier?”

“…I said no teasing your teacher!”

Haha~

Ink Crystal put away her phone.

‘I might as well go on patrol.’

As it turned out, Qingkong City’s public security was quite good. Of course, the appearance of monstrous fiends had no discernible pattern. After a round of patrolling, nothing was discovered.

After returning and dispelling his transformation, He Yao received another message.

“He Yao, there’s an event. Would you like to participate?”

It was a message from the class president, Ye Liuyun. Speaking of which, Ye Liuyun had switched seats to become his deskmate. According to Liu Xingyue, it was because he suspected He Yao of cheating on exams. However, He Yao figured that by now, Ye Liuyun must have realized his true abilities. So, what was the situation with him asking him to participate in an event now?

‘Do I look like the type of person who’d attend events?’

He simply replied with a blunt, “I don’t want to.” Then he closed his phone.

On the other end of the phone, a girl hastily exited the chat interface and looked at Ye Liuyun, who was approaching with drinks. “Class President Ye, you should sing a song too! I just picked one on your phone!”

Ye Liuyun smiled. He glanced at the others, who all applauded. “Alright then, what song did you pick for me? I’ll make a fool of myself.”

“Yay~”

A lively afternoon passed. And so, Monday arrived once more.

Students on Monday were naturally at their lowest spirits. The thought of five more days of school made their prospects seem bleak. Moreover, many had likely stayed up late on Saturday and Sunday, so their energy levels were certainly not optimal. He Yao, however, was fine.

Liu Yun walked in at that moment. “Before class begins, I have an announcement. This Wednesday, the school is organizing a volunteer event. Everyone must participate.”

He Yao’s face immediately contorted into a bitter gourd expression.

A volunteer activity!

The most agonizing episode for an introverted shut-in. Simply put, in this era plagued by villains and monstrous fiends, although Magical Girls always stepped forward to fight, it was inevitable that some people would still suffer.

Thus, schools would organize activities like visiting orphanages to put on performances and befriend children, aiming to prevent internal issues from potentially giving rise to new monstrous fiends. Such events usually weren’t heavily rehearsed. Those with special talents would perform, while others would simply chat with the children or help out with chores at the orphanage.

For someone with social anxiety, this was the worst possible activity. But no matter! He Yao had his own solution!

So, after class, he sought out Liu Yun. “Teacher Liu! Regarding the volunteer activity… I have a proposal.”

“Hmm?” Liu Yun looked at He Yao with a puzzled expression. This young man had a very good relationship with Lin Han. It seemed he often went to the physics office to modify motorcycles with Lin Han…

Thinking this, Liu Yun displayed a very benevolent smile. “Tell me your idea. I’m all ears, Teacher.”

‘Hmm? This woman is so agreeable?’ ‘Ah… she knows I have a good relationship with Teacher Lin…’ He Yao immediately understood. ‘What a cunning woman!’ Of course, he didn’t voice this thought.

However, his request should be fine. “Well, volunteer work is everyone’s duty, but Teacher, volunteer activities can take many forms, right? Like students skilled in singing and dancing performing for the children, or physically strong students helping with chores at the orphanage—I also have my own strengths.”

“Oh? Such as?”

“I’m very rich.”

“…Huh?”

Liu Yun was stunned.

He Yao repeated, “Teacher Liu, I am very wealthy, so I can donate five hundred thousand in my personal name to the Sunshine Orphanage we’re visiting. If I do that, would I be excused from Wednesday’s event?”

‘Did you even hear what you just said?’ Liu Yun was utterly dumbfounded! She knew some students in the class had strong family backgrounds, but even she, as a Magical Girl, wouldn’t dare mention donating five hundred thousand… She was still renting a place to live!

This kid in front of her just casually offered to donate five hundred thousand in his personal name? Where did this rich young master come from? He didn’t look the part at all…

Liu Yun’s expression was a mix of disbelief and exasperation. “You shouldn’t be discussing this with me; you should talk to the principal!”

“I see! Thank you for your trouble, Teacher Liu!”

He Yao then headed to the physics lab. Lin Han, having heard He Yao’s idea, commented, “You’re being a bit excessive.”

“My dad just said the day before yesterday that he has nothing but money. If I need cash, I just ask him for it. Donating five hundred thousand or something isn’t an issue at all.”

‘No… you’re making me look pitiful.’

“You want me to accompany you to see the principal?”

“Exactly. I need a teacher to accompany me to show I’m not joking, right? And Teacher Lin, you can vouch for me that I can indeed make the donation. It wouldn’t cause any problems.”

Lin Han sighed. “That’s true, but if you genuinely don’t want to participate, couldn’t you just take a leave of absence? It’s not mandatory for everyone to go; there are always people who are unwell or have other urgent matters to attend to. You don’t necessarily have to do something so extravagant.”

“Still, this isn’t a bad thing, is it? I’m helping others in my own way, aren’t I?” He Yao said calmly. “As a Magical Girl, I’m also diligently performing my duties. So, making a donation isn’t strange, is it?”

He smiled. “Besides, some people in class look down on me.” His expression turned somewhat serious. “I don’t mind being looked down upon personally, but I am now also Magical Girl Ink Crystal. While I don’t intend to reveal my identity, I also won’t allow this identity to be insulted.

So, it’s time to let everyone know that I’m actually very wealthy! Of course, I know money can’t buy friendship, but… I can’t keep living as I did before. I need to have some… friends.”

“Those aren’t real friends.”

“Yes, Teacher. But there are indeed people with ill intentions towards me, and I need to avoid certain situations.”

He thought of Ye Liuyun. What kind of event had he wanted to invite him to earlier? And with what purpose had he sent him that message?