Transform into a magical girl after getting off work

What Yuan did could already be surmised.

In the final two seconds of the magic equipment's reappearance time, Emerald Sparrow raised the scissors in her hand, and in one second completed the shearing action, declaring in the last moment her understanding of Yuan's capabilities.

— "Demonic power negation, physicalization."

To ensure the accuracy of her declaration, she described the ability from both positive and negative perspectives. Then, she felt a massive outflow of magic power from the scissors that were about to dissipate, nearly depleting most of her own magic power.

Click.

With a light, crisp sound, the scissors in Emerald Sparrow's hand, along with the ink-like metal in Yuan's, crumbled together.

The scissors reached their reappearance limit in the last moment and fulfilled their purpose.

Hong Siyu could not replicate things from her memory continuously; after each replication, the record of the item within "Billion Ocean Memory" would be completely exhausted and would require a long time to replenish.

For spell techniques, Hong Siyu could compensate for this drawback by recording the same spell in large quantities, but this method was obviously not universally applicable for magic equipment which is unique and distinctive.

This also meant that the outcome of the battle had been determined; success in declaring the opponent's magic equipment capability almost meant victory; failure to declare meant that both had lost the opportunity to win.

As for the result, it was already clear when she saw Yuan's magic equipment—she had succeeded.

The magic equipment, initially in the form of a liquid metal, had now lost its metallic luster and had completely turned into a dark, ink-like blob of magic power.

This meant that, regardless of which aspect of Emerald Sparrow's declaration was correct, she had at least successfully separated the abilities of Yuan's magic equipment: from now on, no matter how the magic equipment changed its form, it was merely changing the shape of magic power and no longer possessed the terrifying penetrative power and lethality it had before.

Even if the opponent had any further means to unleash the magic equipment's abilities, the disappearance of this concept was irreplaceable, and with the core concept of the magic equipment removed, it was doubtful there would be much effect even with further enhancement.

As for how long this state would last—at least judging from the consumption of Emerald Sparrow's remaining magic power, a few hours would not be a problem.

And a few hours was more than enough for Hong Siyu to resolve the battle.

The two of them just looked at each other quietly, and for a while, neither spoke. Emerald Sparrow's expression was calm, but her slightly trembling fingers proved that she too was not without pressure; although Yuan had her magic equipment's abilities separated, there was more satisfaction on her face from a hearty battle than regret over the failure.

"I lost," she said with a smile, spreading her hands, "You're right, my magic equipment ability is 'physicalization'. It's also the core ability of my magic equipment; without it, I'll have a hard time defeating that junior over there with my current state."

"By 'current state,' you are referring to one where you don't use the wonderland or further abilities, aren't you?"

Emerald Sparrow took a slow breath: "That is to say, you actually have reservations."

"I've said it before, I don't want to use my own wonderland." Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

Yuan shook her head: "My wonderland, although it imposes extremely strong restrictive rules on everyone within its range, actually gives me an overwhelming advantage. To unfold the wonderland and use the rules, such a victory has no pleasure. When I say I don't want to use it, that means I don't want to, and there's no need to talk more about anything further. I hate battles where I bully the weak."

"It seems you have a lot of confidence in your other abilities," Emerald Sparrow raised her eyebrows, "I'd say, I've never seen anyone who considers 'using full power' as 'bullying the weak.'

"The full strength of a martial arts practitioner is different from that of a magical girl."

Yuan put her hands on her hips: "A game without rules has no fun, a battle without an enemy has no meaning. To enjoy every valuable battle in life, to respect every opponent who can bring me pleasure within the rules, this is my life philosophy."

— "That philosophy only leads me to get scolded by the boss along with you!"

Seeing that the two almost seemed to appreciate each other, Semi couldn't help but yell out in frustration, "Just start the wonderland, release it quickly! We're not here to play house, the Source of Beasts is very important!"

"Shut up, Semi, don't say these mood-killing words while I'm enjoying the afterglow of battle."

Yuan gave it a sidelong glance, dissatisfied, "After finally enjoying a rousing battle, I don't want to keep worrying about those troublesome matters our leader mentioned."

"So you plan to just go back like this?"

The easy-going attitude of the other party made Emerald Sparrow feel somewhat unreal, she couldn't help but speak up to confirm, "You haven't even used all your abilities, have you?"

"Losing is losing; I don't like to make excuses."

Yuan waved her hand, "But, I never said I'd just go back, you know?"

"What?" Both Emerald Sparrow and the nearby Semi expressed their confusion aloud.

"Please, after finally leaving seclusion from arduous training and returning to a human city, I want to enjoy modern life properly."

Yuan looked at the one human and one fairy who had spoken up, "I just arrived in Fangting City this morning, and you're asking me to go back to the wilderness this afternoon? Training isn't supposed to be that kind of suffering, I want to have fun here for a few days!"

"As for the battle, it's not like it's just one fight."

She crossed her arms and tucked her hands into the wide sleeves of her Daoist robe, "It's rare to find such a good opponent, I definitely want to spar with you a few more times, and don't mind me bothering you then."

"...You mean, this time doesn't count, we'll compare again next time." Emerald Sparrow analyzed the meaning behind the other person's words with some hesitation, "What if I lose next time?"

"Then I'll just take you and the Source of Beasts away together."

Yuan laughed heartily, "I'm really interested in you now, and I'm looking forward to your strength after you've healed from the injuries. If you could join Claw Mark, there would certainly be much for us to talk about."

"No matter how many times I win, it doesn't count, but losing just once means a true loss..."

With a hint of resignation, Emerald Sparrow sighed, "I remember you saying not so long ago about 'not bullying the weak.'

"Hmph, all principles ultimately depend on my preferences and mood."

Yuan straightened out her tattered Daoist robe, rolled up her sleeves, and tied up the hem, "If you want me to give up completely, then defeat the real me who's given it my all. At that time, I'll admit my mission has failed and leave obediently."

Having said all this, she reached out and grabbed the still disgruntled Semi to her side, then waved at Emerald Sparrow, who looked somewhat weary, "Let's go, next time I'll directly contact you through the Abnormal Strategy Bureau."

After finishing her speech, a shroud of dark magic power enveloped her figure, and the shapes of the one human and one fairy turned into a fleeting shadow that vanished from in front of Emerald Sparrow and Hong Siyu.

Left behind, the two magical girls stood in place, looking up at the now empty sky, temporarily unsure of what they were thinking.

Emerald Sparrow contemplated the words Yuan said before she left, and ultimately had to admit that she, and even Fangting City, currently lacked the power to drive away this unwelcome guest; it seemed she had no choice but to accept the existence of this "enemy."

Fortunately, it seemed that the other party wasn't the type to harm ordinary people without a second thought like Mosi; saying she wanted to play here probably just meant that—unless she decided to dine and dash.

Having sorted these thoughts, she let out an involuntary sigh and turned back to face Hong Siyu, intending to inquire more about the situation on this side.

But just as she turned around, what came was a hug.

——"I'm back, senior."

Hong Siyu had already flown over from behind and embraced Emerald Sparrow, resting her chin on Emerald Sparrow's forehead. And although Emerald Sparrow wanted to look up, Hong Siyu didn't lower her gaze; she was doing this solely to cover up the slight heat in her cheeks that had appeared after the action.

Feeling this somewhat long-missed embrace, Emerald Sparrow's mouth opened slightly. The questions she meant to ask were replaced by another in the blink of an eye, when the words came out, they were a simple response:

"Ah, welcome back."

It wasn't just Hong Siyu who had returned, but also the magical girl who had once retired and now had once again appeared in this world.