Transform into a magical girl after getting off work-Chapter 652 - 210: A Deal Where Everyone Thinks They’ve "Won

——[Notice, Notice.]

[Team 629 and Team 971 collaborated to conquer the 11th maze node and received corresponding rewards.]

When the notification of yet another maze node conquest sounded, initially, most of the candidates had no reaction.

A small number of candidates who lagged behind in reward points couldn't help but complain a bit, but more magical girls just kept their heads down, continuing their current tasks. After all, as the test progressed to this point, while "conquering a node" was enviable, it was no longer novel.

However, this tense calm didn't last long, and soon, the entire maze became restless due to the next sentence in the notification:

[There's only one node left in this test; all candidates currently solving puzzles should hurry and answer quickly.]

With just one sentence, this gigantic building with seemingly no boundaries buzzed with activity.

Some candidates breathed a sigh of relief, simply because the test, which had lasted nearly a whole day, or perhaps even close to a day and a night, was finally nearing its end; others felt grateful because the high-intensity maze searching and puzzle-solving had already consumed too much of their energy. The end of the test signified the establishment of their scoring advantage.

But more participants fell into an anxious state, like "the exam is about to end, but the paper is unfinished."

Whether they were solving puzzles, losing their way, or secretly confronting other teams... everyone unanimously accelerated their pace.

And this naturally included Xia Liang.

——"What do you mean, are you saying that when they sold you the information, they also added a survey map?"

Currently, Xia Liang was feigning astonishment while chatting with three unfamiliar magical girls in front of her, her expression appearing quite amicable and natural, even with a hint of naive innocence: "Why didn't I get one? Did they forget?"

"They didn't give you one?"

The unfamiliar candidate in front of her was momentarily stunned upon hearing this: "How did you find this place without a map?"

"They pointed me in a direction and said to just walk in that direction..."

Xia Liang showed a look of disappointment, slightly embellishing her situation, and then explained: "I haven't even had a chance to solve the puzzles, I've been rushing and only just arrived."

"Wow, that's really sloppy."

Amused by Xia Liang's "unlucky experience," the unfamiliar candidate couldn't help but laugh, yet she suspected nothing: "Looks like you've been swindled, sister."

No wonder she wasn't wary of Xia Liang's words, because to her, Xia Liang seemed like an "information buyer" just like herself.

Initially, Xia Liang had been planning to "avoid everyone, recover her magic power, and then leave." However, after hearing about the so-called "exit," she hesitated repeatedly and ultimately changed her mind.

Even though this information sounded like it had a strong scam potential, since it concerned the exit, she couldn't simply ignore it.

As mentioned in the notification, the test was nearing its end, leaving her no time to waste. If this truly was an "exit," it would mean she could leave the maze the earliest once all nodes were conquered. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Continuing with her original plan to move forward, theoretically possible by walking straight through walls to exit the maze, became less certain. If she accidentally picked the longer route, she'd still be struggling through the walls by the time the exit opened.

Ultimately, she decided to utilize the information she overheard and pretend to be a candidate who had "bought exit information" and engaged with a team of magical girls who seemed relatively formal.

Initially, the other party was quite cautious, even planning to bypass Xia Liang and leave, but Xia Liang proactively revealed the "exit" existence. With her usual eloquence, she quickly began a lively chat with these unfamiliar magical girls.

During this time, through a few casual remarks, she confirmed several facts:

First, the so-called "exit" information leaked from the same team.

Second, this team seemed to possess a low-magic-consumption high-speed movement method. After surveying most of the map, they judged several points where an exit might exist based on map distribution and magic power concentration, and where Xia Liang was now was one of them.

Third, even with this skill, they internally concluded they couldn't pinpoint the exit, leaving the remaining possible points highly uncertain. Unable to eliminate candidates, they opted to monetize the information gap: trading intelligence.

As for trading, it was straightforward: directly find teams already puzzle-solving and buy their puzzle-solving rights with exit information.

Naturally, not everyone would agree to this business, but teams progressed differently, and many no longer needed extra puzzle points. Compared to a fixed-reward puzzle that might not be solved smoothly, exit information, along with a partial maze map, was more attractive.

Thus, after signing a simple agreement not to resell second-hand information, many teams made deals with the "Surveyor" team.

From the number of teams Xia Liang encountered earlier, if the places she's currently in were merely "one of the possible points," then many teams—estimated roughly around a dozen or even twenty—participated in this transaction. Judging from this, the team with the survey map likely earned puzzle rewards abundantly; even if half the puzzles weren't solved, they had amassed significant rewards and topped the points list.

It's truly envied... no, it's truly admirable.

With a hint of sarcasm, Xia Liang intended to chat casually with the team briefly before leaving, since a "possible exit location" was not her goal. If she couldn't confirm it was the exit, it was better to stick with her original plan.

However, she suddenly realized something crucial.

——If the team that drew the map had the same wall-passing ability as she did, wouldn't they have already sneaked out of the maze alone?

If that is the case, does her obtaining this map mean this power falls into her hands?

With this thought, she felt rooted to the spot.

"Um, I'm sorry, but could you let me peek at the map?"

Feigning some shyness and hesitation, Xia Liang asked: "Although it's a bit unfair to you, I feel like I got a raw deal..."

"Uh, as for this..."

The unfamiliar candidates exchanged glances, and the leader showed a troubled expression: "Although it sounds like you're having a tough time, don't blame me for speaking bluntly; we're competitors here. Teasing is one thing, but giving you a free look at the map is a bit..."

The two beside her appeared a bit apologetic but clearly agreed with this sentiment.

"Haha, that's true."

Xia Liang chuckled wryly and scratched her cheek, appearing like a naive and innocent girl. But before the others could say more, she made a face as if reaching a decision: "Then, what if we also make a trade? I have some information that might interest you."

"A trade?"

The leader of the unfamiliar candidates recited the word, her expression becoming more serious: "What's the content?"

"I wonder if you've seen that so-called 'Thigh Ranking'."

For a moment, Xia Liang seemed serious as well: "If I told you I know the detailed abilities of the fourth place, would it help you? Or, though I don't know who her enemies are, if I'm willing to sign a contract with you, promising not to disclose this information to anyone, could you sell this information for a better price?"

Her words made the candidates exchange glances again.

Xia Liang had no intention of probing whether these people were communicating through eye contact or lip movements. She was merely focusing on playing her harmless role; even if proposing selling others' ability information revealed some ill intent, it didn't matter. The important thing was that she absolutely couldn't let anyone know her cards.

Soon, the team reached a conclusion through their discussion.

"Interesting, you certainly found the right people."

The leader of the magical girls sported a smile, one filled with the sharpness and intrigue of a "businessperson's" insight unlike her previously warm smile:

"Tell me more?"