Vol 2 Chapter 161: The Juniors' Declaration
"I thought I could handle it alone... so I tried by myself."
Faced with Xia Liang's well-intentioned scolding, Bai Jingxuan could only offer a meek defense: "I won't do it again next time."
"Next time? Oh? Ambitious, aren't we?"
Xia Liang's hand on Bai Jingxuan's face shifted from rubbing to pinching: "Just reached Leaf-rank and already eyeing Bud-rank? Saying such things would make others think you're arrogant, you know?"
"I believe I'll get there someday." Since Xia Liang controlled her strength well, Bai Jingxuan didn't find the cheek-pinching uncomfortable and obediently shifted closer, leaning into Xia Liang's embrace: "If I don't grow stronger, I'll never truly be able to face those people—"
"Let's stop this topic here."
Xia Liang gently interrupted: "Otherwise everyone will get upset."
"...Okay." Bai Jingxuan paused before responding honestly.
However, one thing became certain after Bai Jingxuan successfully advanced to Leaf-rank: she now possessed the preliminary capability for "revenge."
Last summer, when Bai Jingxuan had just become a Magical Girl, Sparrow—the Claw Marks Magical Girl who attacked Fangting City alongside Black Ember Dawn—was only Leaf-rank too. Though the power gap between Leaf-ranks could be vast, Bai Jingxuan had now reached the same developmental stage. If she could begin learning spells in the coming months, expand her repertoire of techniques, and combine them with her more complete beastification abilities, she might stand a chance against Sparrow from back then.
This was no small feat. Sparrow had been a character card holder even before defecting from the nation. Yet Bai Jingxuan, a child who'd only been a Magical Girl for slightly over half a year, was now merely lacking in spell variety and combat experience compared to a card holder? Such growth speed felt surreal even to Veronica.
Thinking this, Veronica instinctively glanced at Lin Xiaolu beside her—a movement mirrored almost simultaneously by Xia Liang, followed by Bai Jingxuan copying them. Suddenly, all eyes were on Lin Xiaolu.
"...What? What are you all looking at?"
Lin Xiaolu, who'd been silent for a while trying to minimize her presence, frowned: "Why's everyone staring at me?"
"Nothing, just feeling a bit sentimental."
Xia Liang laughed it off, averting her gaze: "It just occurred to me that excluding our senior here, among us present, neither Xiao Xuan nor I were the earliest to become Magical Girls... or something like that."
"So what? I only awakened my magical equipment a little over a month ago, not even two months! What's wrong with needing more time?"
Lin Xiaolu widened her eyes: "And you—do you really think you could beat me in a fight? Not necessarily, right?"
"Well... that's hard to say."
Xia Liang grinned: "But if we're talking about it now, I choose to surrender."
"Oh? Only surrendering now, huh? Interesting."
Lin Xiaolu bared her teeth: "Come to think of it, we haven't sparred since last month. Seems you've gained some confidence recently?"
Xia Liang gave Bai Jingxuan's cheek one last pat before releasing her: "I'm not arrogant enough to think I'm the only one improving."
"So what do you say? Find a place to test it out?" Lin Xiaolu pushed herself up from the sofa armrest.
Xia Liang leaned back instead: "What if we end up matched against each other in the practical exam after fighting now?"
As tension thickened in the air, Veronica stepped in to mediate: "I don't mind you comparing yourselves, but if you want to spar, wait until daytime and find a proper venue in the academy district. It's too late now—let's not trouble the hotel staff."
"Understood." Xia Liang smiled obediently at Veronica.
"Fine." Lin Xiaolu shot Xia Liang a reluctant glance before closing her eyes resignedly and yielding to Veronica's suggestion. Thıs text ıs hosted at 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⟡𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵
Yet even so, the atmosphere made Veronica realize their determination regarding the upcoming assessment.
"Anyway, seeing you , I assume you're all dead set on participating in the upcoming exam?"
Her gaze swept across their faces: "Let me emphasize again—it will be dangerous."
Three responses came almost simultaneously.
"I know it's dangerous, Teacher, but I'm not afraid."
Bai Jingxuan declared her resolve: "Precisely because they'll be there, I must go."
"We promised—once I became a capable Magical Girl, we'd fight together."
Lin Xiaolu wore equal seriousness: "Facing dangers head-on is part of becoming independent, right? With so many seniors and fellow examinees present, skipping it would mean falling behind them."
"I think it's a great opportunity."
Xia Liang offered a different perspective: "If we don't prove ourselves in such occasions, Senior will probably keep treating us as kids rather than true comrades, won't you?"
"But you are still children." Veronica countered.
"Normal children don't become Magical Girls."
Xia Liang met Veronica's gaze: "Senior, we chose this path ourselves. So I won't regret potential dangers, and you shouldn't blame yourself for them either. You know you can't shield us from all risks forever. I'm already Leaf-rank—the stage where a Magical Girl should stand independently."
Veronica took a deep breath.
She'd known all along the girls would make this choice—had even planned ahead assuming they'd continue with the exam. Still, she'd hoped to persuade them to avoid the risks.
But as Xia Liang said, ordinary children didn't become Magical Girls. Those who chose this path for glamour wouldn't reach the examination stage. By coming to the nation for certification, these Magical Girls had already declared their stance through this very decision.
Her juniors were growing up—and would only grow faster. She couldn't shelter them forever, nor was it possible.
"...In that case, I think it's time to share another piece of news with you."
Having reached this point, Veronica found her mind unusually calm.
Since she'd resolved to witness their independent growth, they deserved more information. Not everything at once, but certain truths shouldn't be withheld.
"There's another reason I dined with the Magical Affairs Court today—I plan to refocus my work priorities there soon."
She looked up, meeting her juniors' slightly surprised expressions:
"Keep this confidential—I'll be collaborating with them, potentially becoming the Scepter of Gems for the Magical Affairs Court within this year or next."