Off Work, Then I Become a Magical Girl

Book 2: Chapter 180: Mint

Vol 2 Chapter 180: MintWhile most teams in the assembly square had already gathered and begun clustering in groups of three, Lin Xiaolu was still wandering aimlessly in search of her teammates.

She began suspecting her number tag might be malfunctioning.

Every time she followed the magical resonance from her number tag to its indicated location, she failed to find her teammate, only sensing this so-called "teammate" appearing elsewhere instead.

At first, she thought perhaps this unseen "teammate" had simply gone the wrong way, veering off from the meeting point. But after this happened twice, then three times, she could no longer dismiss it as coincidence.

Either her number tag was defective, or this mysterious "teammate" was the problem.

Lin Xiaolu leaned toward the former explanation, finding it hard to believe anyone would cause trouble during such a crucial initial team formation. After all, failing to properly assemble a team at this stage would be considered automatic disqualification!

So when she followed her number tag's guidance for the fourth time only to come up empty-handed, her thoughts shifted from continuing this wild goose chase to "maybe I should get this tag replaced at the staff station."

"Having trouble finding your teammate?"

Lin Xiaolu and Bai Jingxuan's frantic darting about stood out conspicuously among the already-formed teams. While most groups minded their own business, some more helpful magical girls noticed what appeared to be two elementary schoolers struggling with team formation.

"Is the crowd making it hard to sense the magical resonance properly?"

The speaker was an older magical girl who smiled warmly as she addressed them. "Maybe I can help you track it down?"

"Thank you, but that's not the issue."

Lin Xiaolu felt slightly awkward receiving kindness from a stranger, her expression stiffening. "I can sense my teammate's location, but never find anyone there. I think my equipment might be faulty..."

"That just means they're a jerk," grumbled Bai Jingxuan, who'd been dragged along on this fruitless chase. Her displeasure was evident, clearly believing they were being deliberately toyed with, her face darkening like gathering storm clouds.

"Huh? You can sense your teammate but can't find them at the indicated spot?"

The helpful magical girl first looked surprised, then uneasy as if remembering something unpleasant. "That... actually sounds possible..."

"It's fine, thanks for your concern."

Lin Xiaolu knew what she was thinking. Like Bai Jingxuan, most people would assume "they're messing with us." Even she would normally think the same.

But now that Veronica had entrusted Bai Jingxuan to her care, making her the senior member of their team, she needed to stay calm. Though inwardly annoyed, Lin Xiaolu forced herself to remain rational.

After thanking the girl, she pulled Bai Jingxuan toward the staff station to see about getting a replacement tag before the assembly deadline.

Strangely though, as she abandoned her search and headed for the staff station, her number tag's magical resonance showed the target getting closer and closer.

Definitely a malfunction.

More convinced than ever, Lin Xiaolu quickened her pace toward the staff station. But just as she thought she'd figured things out, someone suddenly emerged from the crowd and blocked their path.

So abrupt was this person's appearance that the preoccupied Lin Xiaolu couldn't react in time, plowing straight into their chest.

"Oof!"

"Ah!"

Both parties staggered back. Lin Xiaolu instinctively moved to rub her head before realizing she'd hit the other person's chest - no headache whatsoever.

The person she'd collided with was rubbing their chest uncomfortably while giving Lin Xiaolu and Bai Jingxuan a puzzled look.

"Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," Lin Xiaolu apologized after a beat.

"No worries," the other person laughed it off good-naturedly. "I'm the one who suddenly cut you off. Didn't scare you, did I?"

Now they had time to size each other up.

The person who'd blocked their path was unmistakably a magical girl too. Though her ear-length grayish-blue hair and sharp features gave her a boyish charm, the subtle eyeshadow, gleaming metal earrings, and undeniably feminine figure confirmed her gender.

She wore an oversized white hoodie that reached mid-thigh, its open front revealing a high-tech bodysuit. The blue-and-white color scheme, streamlined glowing accents, and metal armor plating at the joints gave her outfit a distinctly sci-fi aesthetic.

The bodysuit extended to her feet, transitioning into metal combat boots at the calves. Multiple vents suggested these weren't just for show but served practical functions.

If one word could describe this magical girl's aura, it would be "cool." Add another, and "refreshing" would fit perfectly.

It was remarkable how these typically masculine descriptors suited a magical girl so well. Yet this boyish quality didn't make her seem rough or aggressive - she retained a distinctly feminine grace and beauty. The combination created a uniquely captivating charm.

And placing such a girl among an all-female magical girl crowd...

Undoubtedly, she'd draw eyes wherever she went.

In fact, even now, countless covert glances were being cast her way.

"Just a little bump, no harm done."

Even Lin Xiaolu paused momentarily at the girl's striking appearance before straightening up with an almost petulant thought: "I know someone even cooler."

"But sorry, I'm in a real hurry right now. Can we continue this later?"

"In a hurry?" The cool-looking girl raised an eyebrow. "Well, sure, but I actually need you for something. Could you spare two minutes?"

As she spoke, she produced a number tag from her hoodie pocket. "My codename's Mint. This is my number tag. Team 629... that your squad number?"

Lin Xiaolu froze.

She stared at the number on Mint's tag, then down at her own, confirming both read "629" before nodding silently.

"Whew, so it is you guys!" Mint exhaled in relief. "My tag kept sensing you moving around, so I've been chasing you forever. Was worried I'd miss the deadline if I didn't catch up."

"We've been looking for you this whole time too," Lin Xiaolu said with complicated emotions. "But my tag seems defective - it points to your location, but you're never there when we arrive."

"Ah..." Mint blinked, hesitating.

"Hm?" Lin Xiaolu caught the reaction instantly, her gaze sharpening.

Bai Jingxuan had quietly moved beside Lin Xiaolu, eyeing Mint with clear suspicion.

"Well..."

Mint scratched her chin, eyes darting about. "That might actually be... my fault."

"Figured."

Lin Xiaolu placed a restraining hand on Bai Jingxuan's arm while narrowing her own eyes. "Care to explain exactly why?"