"I've been telling you this way is wrong, we could have gotten out from over there..."

"Here we go again, you only start giving hindsight advice after we take the wrong turn. If you're so smart, why didn't you split off and go your own way back then?"

"It's not like my Miracle Seed was stolen, even if I'm wrong, sticking with you is safer."

"If you hadn't been dawdling so much, how would we still be trapped here?"

"It's teatime, I absolutely had to have some tea first."

"You're only fit to drink the foot-washing water I just made!"

"Then brew it now."

"I'll punt you to death with one kick!"

Twins had absolutely no idea what to do with this complete idiot in front of her.

Ever since Mirror Queen had locked them up, she'd been trying to find a way to escape.

Actually, getting locked up was partially her own choice.

After all, Lady Bingtang's target was the Witch Association headquarters, and she knew that the Sect Master wanted to head to Chongcheng.

And now, in the New World, there was only one person who possessed a way to reach Chongxu.

That was the bat-girl who'd been caught by the Mirror Queen: Sonora.

The two of them weren't exactly familiar with each other.

After copying Xilan's skills, fusing various objects from the Mirror Kingdom, it wouldn't have been difficult for Twins to escape on her own. But because she had to drag this dead weight along, they'd gotten lost inside the Mirror Queen's palace.

Though this was all within Lady Winter and the Sect Master's plans...

The little bat wings on Sonora's earrings fluttered, revealing her sharp little fangs as she ground her teeth hatefully. "It's all Simo Tu's fault. If he hadn't betrayed the Witch Association, how could I have fallen to such a state? Right now I should be in my own courtyard, brewing a pot of delicious blood, elegantly enjoying a wonderful afternoon..."

"Enough already. Black tea is black tea, don't call it blood. What, you've been drinking so much period blood that it's clogged your brain with tampons?"

The bat-girl stared with wide eyes. "You, you're so vulgar!"

Twins scratched her head, turned back to look at the girl who'd been playing at being an elegant blood noble so hard she'd gone completely nuts, and kicked her right in the ass.

"This is the elegance of Twins! Do you understand Twins' villain aesthetic!? Sticking with the Witch Association, grabbing a Miracle Seed and actually thinking you're a Magical Girl?"

Now that she had someone she could bully, especially since Twins had gotten lost trying to drag along this albatross, her vicious nature came out even stronger. She simply stopped pretending.

"You lead the way now. If you point us wrong, I'm handing you over to the Prince!"

Seeing the other girl's face go pale, Twins smirked triumphantly.

She really was a naturally evil big villain. If she hadn't met Lady Winter and the Sect Master, who kept her suppressed.

Twins might just be able to destroy the world!

Sonora pouted but refused to back down. Hiding behind a pillar while rubbing her butt, she glanced around.

When it came down to it, the Mirror Kingdom was currently busy with its century-spanning grand plan, so they couldn't be bothered with the two of them.

The two of them had been running for ages, and the Mirror Kingdom hadn't even sounded an alarm!

That said a lot about how busy the Mirror Kingdom was, or rather, how incompetent they were. If someone imprisoned in the Witch Association had escaped, the place would have already been in an uproar.

Biting her lip, Sonora looked left and right. The Mirror Queen's palace was a maze of interconnecting passages, and most importantly, there were too many prisms. It was really easy to get lost. After deliberating for a while, she turned back and saw that Twins was holding a big megaphone.

Just waiting for her to make a wrong choice before calling for help.

"The exit is to the right."

Just when Sonora was at a loss, a sudden, friendly voice startled her so much she didn't even process it. She just asked instinctively, "How do you know it's to the right? That looks like a dead end to me?"

"It's actually a visual illusion caused by prism refraction. That's the only way out. Just be careful not to get caught by an Alice."

"Thank you for the reminder..."

While Sonora was still elegantly thanking the person, Twins smacked her on the forehead. "Still thanking them!?"

Turning her head, she saw Mirror Queen Itaen calmly watching them, tilting her head as she said, "You're welcome."

"Your Majesty the Mirror Queen, we were just out for some fresh air. This one insisted on escaping. I was just keeping an eye on her for you, to make sure she didn't actually break out and cause trouble for the Mirror Kingdom..."

Sonora stared wide-eyed at this legendary Complete Witch of the Witch Association.

What kind of quick-change artist was this?

Twins even put on a serious face and continued, "And I've helped you run a test too. The Mirror Kingdom's security really isn't up to par. You definitely need an upgrade. Twins is good at this sort of thing, leave it to me..."

"No need." The Mirror Queen looked at her coldly. "I've been watching you this whole time, ever since you came out of the confinement room, wandering all the way to the North District, running around in circles like headless flies for over an hour. I just couldn't stand to watch anymore."

Twins immediately fell silent.

Sonora, on the other hand, simply lifted her skirt elegantly.

She wasn't good at dealing with lowlifes like Twins, but when it came to the Mirror Queen, she was in her comfort zone.

"Since you've been watching for so long, you must be thirsty, right?" Smiling faintly, Sonora gave a slight bow. "May I invite you to join me for afternoon tea?"

Itaen looked her over with interest. "Sure."

Twins immediately rubbed her hands together. "Ah, well, this, this is so embarrassing. Just give me some soda, I don't really drink tea..."

"This tea party does not include you."

Twins was stunned for a moment, and then sharp spikes suddenly burst from the ground beneath her, making her yelp.

The spikes kept pushing Twins back toward the confinement room.

But Twins would rather do a tap dance on the spot than leave.

The intelligence here was too important...

Itaen didn't insist on driving her away, either. Casually pulling up a system projection interface, she pressed a few buttons, and a table rose from the floor.

Freshly brewed tea, steaming hot, just-baked pastries, and some delicate little fruits.

It was the perfect picture of an upper-class ladies' tea party.

Watching from the side, Twins curled her lip in disdain.

A bunch of yokels. Twins had no interest whatsoever in a tea party that didn't even serve Coca-Cola!

My favorite spicy sticks and crushed-up dry instant noodles are the true premium tea party snacks, you tasteless little brats...

Taking a perfectly mannered bite of a pastry, Sonora slowly sipped her black tea. "And Simo Tu? Have the two of you been married yet?"

Twins's heart tightened immediately.

According to Lady Winter's plan, the Mirror Queen Itaen should already know the Sect Master's secret identity. If it was revealed to the bat-girl, she would have to wait for Lady Winter's decision on what to do.

Whether or not to eliminate her. Letting her go back to Chongxu would definitely create a huge problem in the future.

But when she was captured by the Mirror Kingdom, the ice crystal used to contact Lady Winter had already melted in advance, otherwise it would have been exposed.

Now, she had to make the decision herself.

She had to drag her back to Azure Cloud and have Shuangye tamper with her memories...

Just as Twins was racing through her thoughts, she saw Itaen smiling calmly.

"Oh, him? He's already dead."

Sonora's movements paused, seeming somewhat surprised. Her dark eyes narrowed. "Mr. Simo Tu is not so easy to deal with."

"Deprived of the Calamity Dragon's power, he's just a strong ordinary person." Itaen said indifferently, popping a cherry into her mouth. "I found evidence that he intended to use the Mirror Kingdom's technology to infiltrate the Witch Association headquarters and get promoted to Vice President, so I killed him."

Twins carefully studied Itaen, trying to glean something from her expression.

But the Mirror Lord's face at this moment was calm and composed, unfathomably deep.

Compared to before, it was almost as if she had become a completely different person.

If the Itaen of before had still been somewhat naive, a little girl you could see through pretending to be mature.

Then the Mirror Queen now had become a true ruler.

At the very least, Twins couldn't see through her at all anymore. That feeling was like looking at an unfamiliar Lady Winter...

But more than that, why was she helping the Sect Master hide their identity?

"I see." Sonora didn't question it further. In her view, there was indeed no reason for the Prince to deceive her about this. She just sighed. "So he just didn't want me to steal his credit, huh?"

Twins was frantically switching feet to avoid the spikes, still racing through her mind for a reasonable explanation. But when she heard Sonora, she was stunned for a moment.

Holy crap, you're so good at making excuses!

Then she nodded vigorously.

Yeah, yeah, that's right. Just make up a reason yourself, don't ask!

"But, it seems Your Majesty the Mirror Queen is determined to turn against Chongxu, is that right?"

Using her fork to spear a crystal-clear, dew-kissed grape, Sonora advised, "Forgive me for saying this, but this is not a wise move, Your Majesty. The New World has no place for you. With the Azure Cloud Sect and Shion around, you can never conquer the New World. Your only way out is beyond this world. Offending Chongxu means you can never leave."

"You people of the Witch Association." Itaen just shook her head, as if somewhat helpless. "Always so fond of making solemn pronouncements to scare people."

"This is not a threat. You should know that best."

Twins watched the two girls, locked in confrontation, and felt a surge of unease.

Fine, the Mirror Queen evolved. But why had Sonora suddenly gotten so tough now that they were at the tea table?

What's going on? Why do I feel like I'm the only one left out?

Did everyone secretly evolve without telling me?

The Mirror Queen simply rested her chin on one hand, using the other to casually pull at the air beside her.

As if drawing back a curtain.

Then, the scene outside appeared before the three of them.

Three old-world Magical Girls had entered Full Bloom one after another, joining forces to blast Shion out of this world. Then, simultaneously expanding their Mental Landscapes, they dragged all the Azure Cloud Sect disciples inside!

Twins was so stunned she forgot to switch feet, stepping directly onto the sharp spikes.

Sonora had been about to pick up her teacup for a sip of afternoon tea, but when she saw those images, her mouth fell slightly open. The teacup she held hung suspended in midair, never reaching her lips.

"The Mirror Kingdom's century-spanning plan needs no one's charity or help."

Itaen watched the three Full Bloom Magical Girls with calm, steady eyes. "It will not be intimidated or threatened by anyone. The Mirror Kingdom will conquer this world in its own way, and trample every corner beyond this world."

Her tone was very calm, but it held a madness and arrogance that made people involuntarily afraid.

Sonora's tea trembled a little, but quickly steadied itself. The little wings on the bat-girl's earrings flapped furiously, though her expression remained a calm smile.

"I do not hate the arrogance of the Mirror Kingdom. Sometimes, it is the driving force for progress. You rode your arrogance to the peak of the old world, yet because of that blind arrogance, you always march toward a tragic end. Respected Itaen, the Mirror Kingdom can never travel beyond this world, just as you were sealed by Mùjǐn."

"I don't particularly like being compared to a bunch of failures. However, I'll forgive this transgression of yours for now. The ignorant have the right to make mistakes." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Itaen gently pressed some button, as casually as dipping a pastry in tea.

"But, Chongxu doesn't need to rush either. I'll go find them myself."

Sonora's smile finally disappeared. She looked up at the shocking scene on the screen.

South China. The border was slowly breaking apart.

In the image, all of South China trembled, beginning to detach from the New World!

"The deal I made with Xiao Qi—well, the two of you probably don't know about that? No matter. It's no secret now. I probably know more about the shape of the world than you think."

Itaen stood up. Just as Sonora was about to rise as well, she reached out a finger and gently pressed it down on the top of her head.

"Sit."

Sonora was forced right back down.

And then she realized. The only reason she'd been able to talk with her before.

Was because of Simo Tu.

Now that Simo Tu was gone, this girl in front of her—no, she should say the Mirror Queen before her.

Had no more weaknesses.

"A world stitched together cannot leave, for the sake of its integrity. But if you break the world apart like this, take a corner of it with you, nothing can stop us. And though the Mirror Kingdom's invasion failed back then, we left enough of a legacy in South China for me to complete this plan."

Itaen waved her hand, and the layered walls of the palace shifted and opened.

Transforming into a massive stage!

Twins and Sonora looked down. Below the stage, the Mirror Kingdom was packed with old-world members, gathered in a dense crowd!

Fully armed Alices and old-world members stood in neat formation, their eyes fixed on the Mirror Queen on the stage with hope and nervous tension, completely ignoring Sonora and Twins.

"You who have chosen to follow me."

The sky began to shatter. South China's territory constantly interwove with the Mirror Kingdom, falling along with it.

The outside world began to appear before their eyes!

The torn sky made the sun and moon seem within reach!

"Today is the day I, Itaen, fulfill my promise to you."

"Come. Witness with me the scenery at the summit of this world."

The Mirror Queen spread her arms wide, as if grasping the sun and moon in the sky!

"This shall be our eternal, undying glory!"

Like surging waves, the cheers and shouts responded with even greater fervor to the radiant Mirror Queen on the stage!

"Itaen! Itaen!"

"Long live His Majesty!"

The Mirror Queen turned back, extending a hand toward the speechless Twins and Sonora. "So, do you want to come with us?"

"The peak beyond this world."

......

"This is bad."

Fengqin paced anxiously back and forth on the chaotic ground. "South China is going to fall completely. The world's lifespan will drastically decrease after a split. No, no, is it too late to go and kowtow to the Mirror Queen now? If I cry and beg her, will she give South China back..."

Shion ignored this grand coward's ramblings, just looking down at the three Full Bloom Magical Girls below.

After their Mental Landscapes shattered and their Personal Realities melted, the Azure Cloud Sect still couldn't take them down in the short term.

This stalemate continued until South China began to fall, and then it changed.

The power of the three Full Blooms was rapidly being drained, surging toward the falling South China!

Though she had long guessed that the Mirror Kingdom and Itaen wouldn't just casually give the three of them Full Bloom power for free.

That they had most likely left some hidden move behind.

But Baihu was her hard-earned, carefully cultivated Nascent Soul Transformation!

Together with [Water in the Spring], all of them were bought on her, Shion's, credit within the Mirror Kingdom!

Shion grabbed her magic javelin, piercing through the resisting barrier, and hurled it toward South China!

Their stage loans hadn't even reached the repayment period yet, and they wanted to take it back this soon?

Leave the principal behind!

The javelin flashed across the sky like a meteor, just about to strike South China.

Suddenly, a palm appeared, firmly catching her javelin.

Though the entire arm was instantly annihilated by the violent force, blood splattering across half her body, the girl who rose from the pillar of light soaring from South China.

Had ultimately caught Shion's javelin, preventing her power from striking down South China!

The first to realize what had happened was Mùjǐn, who was already in South China and planning to expand her Spatial Heart Image to pull it back.

She looked up at the girl whose half body had been mangled by Shion's magic javelin, her pupils trembling.

It took her a long time before she could finally open her mouth, her voice filled with shock and confusion.

"Chang... Geng!"

Shion above tilted her head slightly.

Who?