Chapter 52: A Tour of Headquarters: Intelligence, Archives, and a Cryptic Encounter

After Su Xinxin and Jasmin departed from the “Gardener” department, Jasmin continued to lead her forward.

They passed several departments along the way. Some entrances were bustling with people, while others were so quiet they seemed deserted. Jasmin offered a brief introduction each time they encountered a new area.

“Both ‘Cicada’ and ‘Di Ting’ handle intelligence,” Jasmin explained as they walked. “However, ‘Cicada’ is an external ally; they aren’t directly affiliated with our organization. You have to pay them for information. ‘Di Ting,’ on the other hand, is our own internal system.”

She paused, then continued.

“It manages things like round-the-clock monitoring of Corroder energy fluctuations in the city, intelligently dispatching the nearest combat units to incident locations, ensuring wartime communication, and recording battle data. Essentially, all the mission directives, alerts, and team communications we usually receive are handled by ‘Di Ting.’ The voice transmitted directly into our minds by the system? That’s it.”

Su Xinxin nodded, remembering the direct notification she had received in her mind when she rushed to assist at Star River Avenue earlier.

“What about ‘Cicada’ then? Is there a specific difference between it and ‘Di Ting’? Surely their intelligence varies too?” Su Xinxin asked, approaching it as a learning opportunity, just as before.

“‘Cicada’…” Jasmin pondered, adding a touch of speculation. “The difference lies in more specialized, mysterious intelligence, I suppose. Our current rank likely prevents us from accessing it. As for the content of their intelligence, I don’t think we can fully trust it. While they cooperate with the organization, they also conduct business with various other factions.”

As they spoke, the two happened to pass by the entrance to the “Cicada” department.

It was a serene building, its entrance marked simply with the character ‘Cicada.’ A figure stood by the doorway, leaning against the frame, seemingly waiting for someone or perhaps just basking in the sun.

Su Xinxin instinctively glanced over.

The person wore a dark, long robe of an unusual design, resembling an ancient priestly garment or some ceremonial attire. Fine, subtle patterns were embroidered into the hem, almost invisible in the sunlight, yet vaguely radiating an indescribable luster.

The individual’s long hair obscured half of their face. Their exposed eye was half-closed, making it impossible to tell if they were looking at her or at something behind her.

Just as Su Xinxin prepared to avert her gaze, the person spoke.

“Do you wish for a divination?”

The voice was faint, as if spoken casually or even to themselves. Yet, every word pierced her ears with startling clarity, as though whispered right beside her.

“I know some—the answers you seek.”

The person lifted their head, revealing a pallid, almost sickly white face. The corners of their mouth curved slightly, forming an inscrutable smile—like that of a shrewd merchant, or a prophet who had seen through everything.

“Oh~ This one from Mingqian, this Gu…”

A buzzing sound erupted in Su Xinxin’s mind.

*Gu?*

She hesitated for a brief instant, instinctively halting her steps.

Did that person say “Gu…”? Could they know something?

Before Su Xinxin could react, her wrist tightened—Jasmin had already pulled her away at a brisk pace.

“Don’t mind them,” Jasmin said, her voice low, her steps quick.

Su Xinxin was dragged quite a distance before she regained her composure.

“What did that person just say? Gu… Gu what?” she couldn’t help but ask. The sound had been too quick; she hadn’t caught the last part.

“They probably said ‘customer’ or something,” Jasmin replied without looking back. “Aren’t all those fortune-tellers like that, calling everyone a customer? Like some mysterious fortune-telling NPC in an isekai adventure, trying to seem profound, but in reality—they might just turn out to be some tragic BOSS in the end?”

She tried to lighten the mood with a joke, yet a clear look of displeasure remained on her face.

“Gentian, it’s best if you have less contact with such types.”

Su Xinxin was puzzled.

“Aren’t all those who come here magical girls?”

“They are,” Jasmin nodded. “That one, I think they’re a magical girl from the Mycelial Spoken Word Division.”

She glanced back, ensuring the person hadn’t followed, before continuing.

“Among the five major divisions, the Mycelial Spoken Word Division is the most enigmatic. Look at their attire, their demeanor—do they really look like a proper magical girl? They seem more akin to a fallen witch. Oh, and I’ve heard that ‘Cicada’ often deals with the Mycelial Spoken Word Division. They were probably sent to coordinate some information, and after completing their task, they’re trying to earn some extra money on the side.”

Su Xinxin thoughtfully glanced back.

They had walked too far; she could no longer see clearly.

Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the person hadn’t said “customer,” but had intended to call out her original name. Like a fortune-teller who calls you by name to demonstrate their prowess.

But they had already left, and Jasmin had dismissed it, so she let it go.

And what was that about knowing the answers she sought—what could they possibly know?

****

The two continued their walk.

Ahead lay the “Apricot Grove” department.

Its architectural style resembled a hospital, with pure white exterior walls and large glass windows. Vague white figures could be seen moving inside. Sunlight reflected off the glass, casting a soft glow.

The “Apricot Grove” wasn’t particularly large at headquarters. Jasmin explained that most medical resources were distributed among the various branches and real-world hospitals, with headquarters retaining only the core rehabilitation and research centers.

Further ahead was “Annual Rings.”

“Annual Rings” was a rather large building, with several stone pillars at its entrance, giving it the appearance of an ancient library. Ivy climbed its exterior walls, and its windows were tall, narrow arches, through which a dim, yellowish light emanated from within.

“This is ‘Annual Rings,’” Jasmin said. “The Archives Management and Historical Intelligence Department. Magical girl files, top-secret mission records, and various historical documents are all stored here.”

She lowered her voice, deliberately putting on an exaggerated act to try and scare Su Xinxin.

“I heard there are even records about the UR-level ‘Annihilation’ inside—that’s a civilization-level Corroder threat! Its power is enough to destroy an entire country or civilization! But of course, at our rank as a Budding Magical Girl, we definitely won’t be able to see it.”

Su Xinxin peered through a window. The interior was dimly lit, with rows of towering bookshelves faintly visible. Several plainly dressed figures moved among them, silent as shadows, their footsteps unheard.

Next was the “Appraising Flowers” department.

This building was a bit further away, standing alone in an open space. The number of people here was noticeably higher, with constant comings and goings, making it much livelier than other areas.

“This is where our promotions are evaluated,” Jasmin indicated. “All your previous assessment data, combat records, and physical and mental reports are ultimately compiled here. Retired high-ranking officials, tactical experts, and Hua Ling representatives collectively assess them to decide if you can be promoted.”

Su Xinxin recalled the system notification she had received earlier.

It turned out so many people were busy behind the scenes, analyzing and evaluating.

“Fragrant Words” was at the very end, a small and exquisite building with various flowers—pink, white, and yellow—blooming beautifully at its entrance. Through the windows, people could be seen busy at screens or organizing materials.

“This department is pretty much the propaganda division,” Jasmin explained. “They produce internal communications, promote our ideals, commend achievements, organize events and gatherings, distribute welfare benefits, and hold memorial services, among other things.”

Su Xinxin followed Jasmin, observing from outside. There were quite a few people here, and they all seemed deeply engrossed in their work.

“Beyond these, there should be other departments,” Jasmin continued as they walked. “After all, I’m only a first-tier magical girl, so I don’t have access to many classified things. These are just the main publicly known ones.”

After their tour, the two walked back outside.

The afternoon sun poured down from above, warm upon them. In the distance, the sea of flowers still swayed at the edge of their vision, like a colorful cloud.

Su Xinxin suddenly remembered something and asked another question.

“What about the Human Resources Department? Haven’t we seen that one yet?”

“The Human Resources Department isn’t located at headquarters,” Jasmin mused. “After all, Hua Ling is responsible for recruitment, so you could consider it… outsourced? I think that’s what it’s called?”

Su Xinxin nodded, then remembered another question.

“Then what about the Finance Department? When do we get paid?”

Jasmin paused, then chuckled.

“The Finance Department, huh—I think it’s called ‘Golden Ear’? But there’s really nothing much to see there.”

She vaguely pointed into the distance, though she wasn’t entirely sure of the direction.

“Anyway, our salaries are paid at a fixed time each month, directly into your account. I think you can even get an advance. So no need to worry about that!”

Jasmin paused, observing Su Xinxin’s expression, then added, “Are you in urgent need of money?”

Su Xinxin didn’t answer. She simply smiled, her gaze drifting to the distance.

The distant sea of flowers swayed in the wind, like a gentle wave.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

Could It Be That I’m Actually the Strongest Final Boss?

ComedyFantasyFemale Protagonist

Read Now →
Not interested