The brief incantation clearly lacked the power to block an attack, and as Hong Siyu's words fell, the black arrow easily tore through the blue thread defense line and rushed toward the somewhat slender figure.
However, just as the arrow was about to strike, the notebook that Hong Siyu held in her hands suddenly took to the air, blocking the potentially fatal attack.
The struck notebook first emitted the sound of tearing pages under the strain, and then, with a low, muffled thud, it exploded along with the arrow into scattered pages in the air.
Emerald Sparrow, watching from the side, narrowed her pupils slightly, her fist tightening subconsciously, but in the end, she said nothing and just quietly observed the unfolding changes.
Since Hong Siyu had promised there would be no trouble, she should trust in the other. Trusting one's companions was the most basic quality of a Magical Girl.
In the instant of this thought, the scattered pages underwent a transformation.
The once disordered papers did not fade away but instead, after a brief floating, stayed in their original position and then, as if influenced by some strange external force, suddenly stood upright.
Each page emitted a purple-red magical glow, the brilliance of which could rival the midday sun. Within that glow, the thin pages inexplicably produced layer upon layer of afterimages, which then began to solidify.
The gradually solidifying pages turned of their own accord in the radiance, "swish swish," the sound of flipping pages was uniform and rhythmic, resounding like a well-rehearsed opus.
At this moment, every page became an independent book, its blank pages revealing content amidst the sound of meticulous writing. Then, all the books gathered behind Hong Siyu, forming a thick wall of books.
The very moment the book wall came into being, Hong Siyu's attire had also completely changed.
A purple-pink hairband threaded through her violet-red hair, flashing petal-shaped earrings swaying gently, while her low twin ponytails cascaded over her shoulders, moving with the wind. A wide, waist-length high-collared cape concealed her chin, revealing only the upper half of her somewhat serene face.
Beneath the cape was a fitted waist-cinching Hepburn dress, its simple single-breasted fastenings running from her waist, adorned with a few sparkling crystal pens. Her dark, pointed low-heeled shoes lined up under her dress, her toes slightly pointed downward, hovering in the air.
Taking into account what Hong Siyu had said before, this was clearly her "Bloomed" form, named "Sea of Memories."
However, Emerald Sparrow knew that "Bloomed" was supposed to be an ability Magical Girls attained after reaching the Flower rank. Hong Siyu, who retired while still in the Bud rank as a Magical Girl, should not have had such power.
To be able to use the authentic "Bloomed" form here, there was only one possibility—Hong Siyu not only had reclaimed her ability to transform, but after regaining her powers, she had advanced to the Flower rank.
"Look, senior, this is my 'Bloomed.'"
Raising her hand, a book that had turned antique and magnificent flew from the wall of books into Hong Siyu's hand. She turned her head slightly, smiling at Emerald Sparrow, "I am now a Flower rank, finally catching up to your pace."
"You..." Emerald Sparrow began after a moment's pause, seemingly wanting to ask something, but her question was cut off by another arrow.
To be precise, not one arrow, but three simultaneous shots.
Amidst the humming of the bowstring, the three arrows sped out in different directions, following different paths, and in an instant arrived in front of the two of them.
The sound of the arrow striking was heard, but it did not hit a person. Instead, Hong Siyu barely moved her fingers, and several books flew out from the wall behind her, blocking the black arrows.
The attack struck but was ineffective. Yuan, lingering between the buildings, lowered her hands, the dark bow reverting back into a fluid like black ink, looking at the majestic wall of books with a small smile curving her lips.
An excited smile appeared on her face, "Interesting, what kind of power could it be?"
Her brief setback didn't bring her down; on the contrary, her fighting spirit surged with the display of her opponent's revealed capabilities.
"Stop messing around, just open up your wonderland already..."
Semi, who was perched on her shoulder, suffering from motion sickness symptoms due to the high-speed flying and rolling, complained weakly, covering his mouth, "The other has already used her 'Bloomed!' How long do you plan to fight with your blank magical gear?"
"I am serious, Semi."
Yuan exhaled slightly, "It's precisely because I am serious that I want to win with my own skills. That's real respect for the opponent. When I use the wonderland, it will be a fight to the death, not just a contest."
"I don't think the other side is taking this as just a contest..." Semi grumbled irritably, but before he could continue complaining, the wall of books nearby changed again, causing all of its fur to stand on end, "Watch out!"
Following this warning, half of the books from the wall flew out at Hong Siyu's command and once again lined up neatly before her.
Like a librarian, Hong Siyu carefully checked each book in front of her and then gently pushed her hands toward Yuan's direction. Before everyone's gaze, the books opened as if they had their own consciousness, revealing pages inscribed with completely different runes.