Chapter 39: The Late Reinforcements

“Let’s double-check the site, just in case we missed anything.” After saying this, Kexin couldn’t help but sigh. The entire pit, scattered construction debris, and the various unknown substances mixed in made her head spin.

After securing the monster’s crystal core, Kexin pulled out a multifunctional scanner from her magical storage space. It looked like a cellphone but was considerably thicker than a regular one.

Qisi saw this and also retrieved her own device.

It was similar to the tricorder from Star Trek—able to collect multiple types of data simultaneously, from ordinary magnetic fields and chemical substances to spatial distortions. The only downside was its limited range, covering just a few dozen meters around the user, but otherwise it was highly effective.

Because the spider-like monster had been eliminated, its summoned minions—lacking independent magical cores—also turned to ash, leaving behind only a pool of slime.

“Maybe we should just leave. This place is disgusting,” Qisi said, pinching her nose as she reluctantly approached the black mass left by the monster.

In reality, the magical girls’ equipment could filter out toxic gases, and with additional settings, even the stench could be blocked. Qisi wouldn’t actually smell it—but just seeing the remains was enough to make anyone feel nauseous.

It was even worse when the multifunctional scanner displayed the collected information on its screen. Among the inorganic debris were a variety of organic substances, including proteins and fats. If one considered monsters as living beings, this was normal, except the detected components came from multiple different organisms.

Human DNA from multiple individuals was also detected. Legends of monsters eating people weren’t just scare stories—these creatures truly absorbed humans into themselves.

Seeing the screen, Qisi frowned. “Hopefully the database comparison yields results.”

“Mm,” Kexin responded, having noticed the same thing. She knew exactly what Qisi meant.

Currently, monsters were considered unknown energy-based lifeforms. Their existence required a material medium, and the Special Investigation Bureau hadn’t yet found any exceptions. The medium could be anything—from stones by the roadside to trees on the mountain—all of which could form a physical body under magical influence.

In hidden, shadowy places, it was impossible to know how many accidents had occurred. Even in Muzhou City, where magical girls patrolled, perfect coverage was impossible.

People born with innate magical energy were more likely to attract monsters, which could track them down.

According to the Bureau’s monster records, most monsters appeared similar to earthly animals, but were actually entirely different, typically lacking internal organs.

Shooting at a monster’s head with conventional weapons or trying to injure it excessively was generally ineffective. The best approach was to inflict continual material damage on the monster’s body, forcing it to expend magic to repair itself, thereby exhausting it.

Alpha-level and some lower Beta-level monsters could be killed this way, but stronger monsters required a direct attack on their magical core. A sufficiently powerful strike could “reset” the monster’s consciousness, leaving behind only a purified magic crystal.

Kexin expanded her scanning range, finding that the battle had left quite a few monster remnants.

In previous cases, leftover monster matter had caused serious casualties, especially for subsequent Bureau personnel entering the area. Missing even a single monster could lead to disastrous results.

Although the details remained classified, Kexin knew caution was essential.

As she nearly completed a sweep of the ruined industrial park, a blue light appeared in the sky, accompanied by a surge of magical energy.

Kexin looked up, her voice flat: “Our reinforcements finally seem to have arrived.”

Her tactical goggles identified a friendly signal approaching—it must be the A-level magical girl sent as backup. But Kexin felt no relief. If the reinforcements had arrived earlier, things would have been much easier. She also had no idea who was coming.

Despite having just unleashed a massive spell that obliterated the monster and surrounding objects, the enormous magical expenditure left Kexin mentally exhausted, on the verge of collapse.

If possible, she would have preferred to lie down and sleep until fully rested—but that wasn’t an option.

As the blue light drew closer, Kexin finally saw the newcomer’s face.

A girl with long blue hair descended slowly, carrying a bolt-action sniper rifle. She wore a tight-fitting suit in black and dark blue, complementing her proportional figure, giving her a sleek, professional look.

Her belt and equipment emitted a faint blue glow, making her look more like a sci-fi soldier than a magical girl.

Kexin stared at her face, feeling a sense of familiarity but unable to recall where she had seen her or what her name was.

Even among magical girls, her appearance was striking.

“Good evening,” the girl said, freeing one hand to greet the two approaching girls.

Seeing Kexin staring blankly, Qisi moved behind her and discreetly touched her waist.

A sudden sharp pain made Kexin snap back to reality. “Go-good evening… ahh~~”

Kexin’s eyes flicked to Qisi, silently asking, “What did you do?”

Qisi whispered in her ear: “Down there.” Then she walked away, taking a call from Officer Guan. Communications with the Bureau had been interrupted during the battle.

“Hello, Mengyao. Yes, I’m collecting data on-site. Once it’s safe, the cleanup team can move in. This one’s a bit tricky.” Qisi leapt to a high vantage point, scanning the area below.

If the media or curious onlookers arrived first, this would become big news.

Kexin watched Qisi disappear and couldn’t understand why she had “moved down,” despite doing nothing.

“You okay? I heard this monster was delta-level. I thought—”

The blue-haired girl remained silent. She had been dispatched after learning a recently trained D-level magical girl and a newly certified C-level girl had faced a delta-level monster. Normally, this would have ended poorly. She had rushed to assist but had been blocked by numerous monsters along the way.

By the time she cleared the monsters, she had been ready for a final confrontation with the main monster.

“Managed to get through it, barely,” she said.

Kexin wanted to complain about the slow backup but, looking into the girl’s gentle eyes, she felt her own tension ease. The events of the night seemed lighter, and any complaints could wait for the official report.

“Managed to get through it?” The blue-haired girl scrutinized the pink-haired magical girl, who showed almost no battle damage. By contrast, Qisi’s suit had been torn in places, exposing skin.

Unable to understand how it happened, the blue-haired girl decided not to interfere. Since Kexin was fine, that was enough.

“It’s late. Let me take you back—you must be exhausted.”

“No need to trouble yourself,” Kexin tried to decline, but her body had reached its limit. As her muscles relaxed, her consciousness almost disconnected, and she stumbled forward.

The blue-haired girl reacted instantly, catching Kexin by the shoulders.

“Being like this isn’t okay. Let me take you back. You live in an apartment, right?”

Kexin could only nod weakly, realizing her face was in a very awkward position.

Qisi quickly returned, eyes wide. She rushed to Kexin’s side.

“It’s fine,” the blue-haired girl explained, “she’s just overexerted her magic. A rest will fix it.”

“I should’ve noticed sooner. Let me help,” Qisi said, lifting Kexin’s right arm onto her shoulder while the blue-haired girl supported her on the other side. Together, they carried Kexin away. She was slightly shorter than both of them.

Shortly after, several unmarked MPVs stopped on the outskirts. Fully armed black-clad operatives quickly bypassed barricades and entered the ruined site.

Dividing into groups, they reached their targets and completed their tasks in under five minutes, leaving virtually no trace.

Meanwhile, the Bureau’s convoy had just arrived at the far end of the road…