Transform into a magical girl after getting off work

"I think I should be fine... so I tried it alone."

Bai Jingxuan could only feebly defend herself against Xia Liang's mainly well-intentioned "scolding": "I won't do it next time if there is one."

"Next time? Oh? Quite ambitious!"

Xia Liang shifted from rubbing Bai Jingxuan's face to pinching it: "You've just advanced to Leaf Level and are already eyeing Bud Level? If you go around saying that, others might think you're arrogant!"

"I think it will happen someday." Since Xia Liang was gentle, Bai Jingxuan didn't feel too uncomfortable with her cheeks being pinched. She obediently shifted her seat a bit to lean against Xia Liang's embrace: "If I don't become stronger, I'll never be able to truly face those people..."

"We should probably drop this topic now."

Xia Liang gently interrupted, "Otherwise, everyone will get upset."

"...Okay." Bai Jingxuan paused and then honestly responded.

She was likely about to mention revenge again. Everyone actually knew it, but obviously, nobody liked seeing such a child constantly trapped in negative emotions.

However, after Bai Jingxuan successfully advanced to Leaf Level, one thing was certain: she indeed had the initial power for "revenge" now.

Last summer, when Bai Jingxuan had just become a Magical Girl, the Claw Mark Magical Girl who attacked the orphanage alongside Black Ash Dawn—Sparrow—was also only at Leaf Level. Although there can be a huge disparity in power between Leaf Levels, Bai Jingxuan had reached the same advancement stage. This means if Bai Jingxuan starts learning magic techniques in the coming months, expanding her technique reserves and combat skills, combined with her more complete beastification ability compared to Sparrow, she could face Sparrow head-on.

This is quite an incredible thing. To know that Sparrow herself was already a word plate before defecting from the Kingdom. And Bai Jingxuan, who has only been a Magical Girl for over half a year, is just a technique reserve and combat skill away from being a word plate?

This growth speed, even in the eyes of Emerald Sparrow, seemed somewhat surreal.

Thinking of this, she subconsciously glanced at Lin Xiaolu beside her, and Xia Liang almost simultaneously did the same, prompting Bai Jingxuan to mimic them. Suddenly, everyone was looking at Lin Xiaolu.

"...What? What?"

Lin Xiaolu, who hadn't spoken for a long time and tried to minimize her presence, was immediately displeased: "Why are you looking at me?"

"No, we're not thinking anything, just a bit amazed."

Xia Liang chuckled, averted her gaze: "Just realized, excluding the seniors, among us here, it seems like I'm not the earliest to become a Magical Girl, nor is Xiao Xuan... or so."

"So what? I've only awakened my Magic Armor for just over a month, not even two months, so what's wrong with spending some more time accumulating?"

Lin Xiaolu widened her eyes: "And besides, if it really came down to a fight, are you sure you could beat me? Maybe not?"

"Eh... that's hard to say."

Xia Liang grinned: "But if you bring it up now, I choose to surrender."

"Oh? Only choosing to surrender now, huh? Interesting."

Lin Xiaolu grinned: "Speaking of which, I haven't sparred with you since last month. Seems like you've gained a lot recently?"

"I suppose we both have."

Xia Liang gave Bai Jingxuan's cheek a final stroke before letting go: "I won't be arrogant enough to think I'm the only one making progress."

"So, what do you say? Shall we find a place to spar?" Lin Xiaolu propped herself up on the couch armrest and stood up.

"No."

Xia Liang leaned back: "What if we fight now and end up facing each other in the practical exam?"

Seeing the tension rising, Emerald Sparrow stepped in to mediate: "I don't mind you comparing with each other, but if you want to spar, let's wait until daytime and find an appropriate venue in the Academy District. It's too late now, let's not trouble the hotel staff."

"Okay." Xia Liang smiled obediently at Emerald Sparrow.

"Understood." Lin Xiaolu, still somewhat reluctant, glanced at Xia Liang, then reluctantly closed her eyes, choosing to follow Emerald Sparrow's advice.

Yet, even so, at this point, Emerald Sparrow already understood their thoughts on the upcoming assessment.

"In any case, seeing you like this, it seems you're all determined to participate in the upcoming assessment?"

Her gaze swept over the faces of the few people in front of her: "I must emphasize once again, it truly will be dangerous."

"Yes."

"Of course."

"Indeed."

Three replies almost sounded in unison.

"I know it's dangerous, but Teacher, I'm not afraid of it."

Bai Jingxuan expressed her determination: "Precisely because they're there, I have to go."

"This is our promise, that when I become an independent Magical Girl, they would fight alongside me."

Lin Xiaolu also had a serious look: "Even if there are dangers in the exam, actively facing the crisis is how we prove our independence, right? Besides, with so many seniors and other examinees present, if I don't go, wouldn't I fall behind them?"

"I think this is a great opportunity."

Xia Liang offered a different perspective: "If we don't prove ourselves in such a setting, Senior, you might still see us as kids rather than real peers, right?"

"But you are indeed still children." Emerald Sparrow countered Xia Liang's words.

"Ordinary children aren't supposed to become Magical Girls."

Xia Liang stared at Emerald Sparrow: "Senior, this path is one we chose ourselves. So, I won't regret any danger we might encounter, and you shouldn't blame yourself for the dangers we might face. You know, you can't shield us from all dangers forever, and I'm already a Leaf Level, at a Magical Girl's stage for independence."

"...I understand."

Emerald Sparrow took a deep breath.

She actually knew the kids would make such a choice long ago. In fact, the plans were already made assuming they would continue participating in the assessments. But still, she wanted to try convincing the juniors to avoid risks.

But as Xia Liang said, ordinary kids don't become Magical Girls. Even if some girls choose to become Magical Girls for the glamorous appearance, such kids would never reach the point of participating in assessments.

Choosing to assess in the Kingdom and obtaining certification as a Magical Girl, they've already expressed their stance with this decision.

The juniors are growing, and in the future, their growth will only accelerate. She can't shelter them forever, and it's doomed to be impossible.

"...In that case, I think it's time to share some additional news with you."

Reaching this point, Emerald Sparrow felt a rare calm in her heart.

Since she's decided to witness the juniors' independent growth, she has a responsibility to pass more information to them. This doesn't mean revealing all truths at once, but some things they should know, there's no need to hide them.

"I had dinner with the people from the Magical Affairs Institute today, for another reason. I'm planning to refocus my work back to the Institute soon."

She raised her eyes, looking at the juniors in front of her, observing their slightly surprised expressions:

"You should also remember not to tell others that I will be working with them, perhaps within this year, or maybe next year... becoming the Gemstone Scepter of the Magical Affairs Institute."