Off Work, Then I Become a Magical Girl

Book 2: Chapter 191: Mutual Probing

Vol 2 Chapter 191: Mutual ProbingThis was too strange.

Everything happening before her eyes was so abrupt that Xia Liang couldn't react immediately.

Only after the entire opposing team of three collapsed and exited the maze did she suddenly realize the precarious situation she was in. Almost instinctively, she tightened her grip on the magic wand that had materialized in her hand.

Among those present, others shared similar reactions - not Mountain Lily and Tiger Lily, but Drunken Fishweed's own teammates. The two magical girls who had joined her in attacking Calla Lily's team before stopping when the smoke cleared were equally startled by Drunken Fishweed's actions.

Yes, even her own teammates found her series of words and deeds utterly incomprehensible.

In fact, during their journey here, while Drunken Fishweed had been their guide, she'd never mentioned specifically targeting anyone. Even when attacking Calla Lily's team, her explanation had been "they might have discovered a puzzle - we can try eliminating them anonymously to seize resources."

So not only was Calla Lily baffled upon elimination - none present had expected Drunken Fishweed would dare act so brazenly after their appearances and identities were exposed, when eliminating others could still lead to accusations.

"Kehehe, did you see her expression when she got eliminated?"

As if oblivious to the frozen atmosphere, Drunken Fishweed turned back, speaking cheerfully as if showcasing some artistic creation. Her shoulders shook with eerie laughter as her gaze shifted between teammates and Xia Liang's group: "She looked so stupid, completely clueless about what was happening."

Yet no one responded.

Her two teammates were clearly ordinary examinees, already frightened by her unilateral actions. As for Xia Liang's group, if not treating her as a dire enemy, they were certainly extremely wary.

Even Mountain Lily now understood the gravity of the situation, holding her sister Tiger Lily's hand with a solemn expression. No one dared trust an examinee who would casually attack other teams, even if she currently showed no signs of aggression.

Xia Liang felt the same.

Though if possible, she'd prefer avoiding conflict with this team.

This consideration wasn't entirely based on strength assessment - though she did worry whether Mountain Lily and Tiger Lily could withstand them... That wasn't the main point. The real issue was Drunken Fishweed's apparent disregard for "being reported."

In this maze assessment, one of the greatest restrictions on all examinees meant nothing to her - the implications behind this deserved deep consideration. Unable to immediately understand why, Xia Liang chose to keep her distance.

"...That was an impressive battle."

She carefully phrased her words, attempting to persuade through flattery: "Though our team just happened to pass by, you've given us an excellent demonstration of practical combat from which we've learned much."

"Oh? Hehe."

Drunken Fishweed smiled ambiguously at this: "You've got good taste."

"I apologize if we interrupted your battle. But our team truly just passed through here with no intention to participate, nor any interest in whatever you might be competing for."

Seeing some possibility of communication, Xia Liang played dumb while maintaining a bright, innocent smile: "Since your battle has concluded, could you let our team pass through? We won't linger or interfere."

"Pass through...?"

The unsettling grin faded as Drunken Fishweed expressionlessly glanced at the passage behind her.

Suddenly seeming normal again, she asked her two teammates: "What do you think?"

"Huh? Me?" The addressed teammate looked startled, as if thinking "I get a say?", stammering: "About what?"

"This team claims no ill intent, wanting to pass through the route behind us."

Drunken Fishweed's lips quirked: "Do you believe them? Should we let them pass?"

"I... I guess it should be fine..."

As if checking whether Drunken Fishweed had "returned to normal," the other teammate studied her while answering: "If everyone's just passing through with no intention to fight, we can each go our own way."

"Mmm, fair point."

Drunken Fishweed nodded lightly: "I've no interest in mediocre opponents anyway. Having fought someone already satisfies me... No reason to pick fights now."

"Alright, decision made."

After this soliloquy, she unilaterally decided, telling Xia Liang's group casually: "Go ahead."

Xia Liang couldn't help exchanging glances with Mountain Lily and Tiger Lily.

That easy?

No wonder she felt suspicious - everyone was confused by Drunken Fishweed's mercurial attitude. But since she now demonstrated normal communication skills with seemingly sincere words, perhaps... it would be alright?

Maintaining her "naive" persona, Xia Liang grinned broadly: "Great! Thanks then, let's go."

She tugged Mountain Lily, subtly signaling both to position themselves on her left before walking past Drunken Fishweed as if completely unguarded.

Nothing happened.

Drunken Fishweed and her teammates simply watched the trio pass by, apparently truly having "no reason to fight" as claimed.

Yet Xia Liang suddenly remembered something Veronica had told her and Lin Xiaolu long ago:

"Remaining vigilant against enemies and strangers while trusting companions is a magical girl's code of conduct."

So was Drunken Fishweed, now acting normally and seemingly disinclined to fight, truly as she presented herself?

Xia Liang couldn't help observing her peripherally.

Undoubtedly, Drunken Fishweed currently stood in a relaxed posture - hands behind back, slouched, legs apart, with no noticeable magical resonance. This stance clearly indicated... relaxation?

No. That wasn't it.

Xia Liang noticed - rather, she'd sensed something amiss the moment she saw it.

Drunken Fishweed's hands were behind her back.

"Fall back!"

She abruptly shouted to her teammates while instantly manifesting her magical equipment. Multiple mirrors rapidly formed a defensive barrier between their team and the opponents.

Through gaps in the mirrors, Xia Liang glimpsed Drunken Fishweed's abruptly blooming smile.

Then violet-red smoke exploded outward, instantly filling the entire passage.