After successfully managing to kill the conversation dead, Xu Wenxing sensibly chose to change the topic, chatting with Blazing Flame about their daily college life, diverting her attention and calming her anger.
Once Blazing Flame returned to the familiar version of herself, Xu Wenxing opened his computer, ordered some Delivery, and focused on strategizing against various Civilizations in the Game.
“Savage Beastman Six?” Blazing Flame, bored, came up behind Xu Wenxing and casually glanced at the screen. “After you finish, remember to look up a tutorial on the Anti-Sweep Disk and turn off the Sweep Disk.”
“Savage Beastman Six even uses Sweep Disk? Seriously?” Xu Wenxing took a bite of his food, curious.
“Why would I lie? Just look it up yourself and you’ll see.”
After watching Xu Wenxing’s moves, Blazing Flame shook her head slightly, then returned to her seat and continued translating a black-and-white manga.
“Alright then. I’ll save the game first and turn on the Anti-Sweep Disk for him.” Xu Wenxing sighed. “Though it’s probably useless now, since the privacy’s long been leaked.”
“Better than continuously leaking your privacy.” Blazing Flame smiled.
“That’s true… Hey, Brother Ren. You’ve been a Magical Girl for so long, have you ever connected with Meteor or Miss Sapphire?” Xu Wenxing asked casually after exiting the Game.
“No.” Blazing Flame answered straightaway. “I’m afraid of misunderstandings, so I’ve never actively reached out to them.”
“Misunderstandings?”
“My situation’s a bit special. If something unexpected happens, it’d be hard to explain.” Blazing Flame dodged the question.
“Oh right, Brother Ren, you were a guy before transforming, so it’s not easy to hang out with them.”
Xu Wenxing, jumping to conclusions, had already found a perfect excuse for Blazing Flame.
She smiled faintly, giving no explanation, tacitly accepting Xu Wenxing’s reasoning.
“What a pity…” Xu Wenxing leaned back in his chair. “I was hoping to use your connections to get Meteor’s contact info, but it seems that’s a no-go.”
“You really like Meteor?” Blazing Flame propped her chin on one hand. “If there’s a chance in the future, I can help introduce you.”
“No, thanks. I’ll rely on my own efforts.” Xu Wenxing waved off the offer. “The Monster Response Department recruits every year. I’ll try hard and see if I can get in as an intern next year.”
“You’re so ambitious. Didn’t you already reserve one of this year’s Scholarship slots in advance?” Blazing Flame raised an eyebrow teasingly.
“Compared to you? No way. You’re studying for the College English Level 4 Exam and fighting Monsters as a Magical Girl at the same time. You’re way ahead of me.” Xu Wenxing sighed. “By the way, what’s it like fighting Monsters? I’ve never seen any interviews or reports about it online.”
“Curious?” Blazing Flame asked.
“Yeah, very curious.” Xu Wenxing nodded. “Monsters run fast, immune to firearms, don’t lose like in those classic works against Magical Girls, and can’t be reasoned with — like heartless killing machines. How exactly do you beat these things, Brother Ren?”
“Simple. Transform into a Magical Girl, find the Monster, then use your weapons to smash it. Follow that process, and you can handle any Monster.” Blazing Flame replied casually.
“Then… what if you get hurt?” Xu Wenxing paused before asking suddenly.
“What else? Keep fighting.” Blazing Flame shrugged. “With Magic inside, unless it’s fatal, you won’t die. If you really can’t win, run away and fight again next time.”
“But it seems like you’ve never run away before. Hasn’t there been any Monster that gave you trouble?” Xu Wenxing asked, puzzled.
“Laughable. What kind of strength do I have? Do I need to run from these Monsters?” Blazing Flame said proudly. “As for tricky Monsters? They don’t exist.”
“I feel like you’re getting cocky. Watch out for a fall.” Xu Wenxing looked at her confident face. “So, you have been injured, right?”
“I’ve had a few small injuries, but just minor cuts that heal quickly. Nothing serious.” Blazing Flame nodded, her words brimming with confidence.
Lying.
Xu Wenxing wanted to say that, but in the end, he just opened his mouth without voicing the thought.
His mind was elsewhere.
After today’s interaction with Blazing Flame, his beautiful image of Magical Girls was first shattered and then reforged.
Originally, he thought Magical Girls were aloof, ethereal beings who lived as they pleased, free from worry.
But now, it seemed Magical Girls weren’t so different from them. They had their own struggles.
Even someone like Brother Ren, living a fairly carefree college life, had to make choices between attending classes and battling Monsters.
Despite possessing great power, that power came with obligations.
So, Magical Girls were this contradictory yet adorable existence?
He decided then: he would work hard to get into the Monster Response Department, to provide logistics support for the Magical Girls, and help them as much as he could!
And if possible, he hoped to assist the Magical Girl he liked most — Meteor!
That way, he’d have a chance to get closer to Meteor!
If not Meteor, then Miss Sapphire would do.
At least she looked pretty good too; he could settle for her.
Just as long as she wasn’t his good roommate!
“Why so quiet? Lost in thought?” Blazing Flame noticed Xu Wenxing’s silence and asked curiously.
“Ah, yeah. Just thinking. I didn’t expect you to be so strong, Brother Ren, fighting Monsters so easily. You’re a natural expert.” Xu Wenxing replied.
“Of course.” Blazing Flame accepted the compliment without reservation.
“Well then, Brother Ren, after your transformation, remember to talk to the Professor and explain the situation.” Xu Wenxing suddenly changed the subject.
“The Professor called roll?!” Blazing Flame hurriedly asked.
“No, he saw you weren’t there. He purposely didn’t call your name to save face.” Xu Wenxing shook his head.
“He noticed I was gone and decided not to call roll? Oh… good, good, that scared me for a moment.” Blazing Flame wiped the sweat off her forehead.
“Even if he didn’t call roll, won’t you still lose attendance points?”
“It’s different. The Professor not calling roll means people understand the situation, and I still have a chance to explain.” Blazing Flame explained. “We’re lucky. Both the Class Advisor and the Professor have good personalities — much better than some university teachers.”
“Then can you stop skipping class just because they’re nice? Brother Ren?” Xu Wenxing teased.
“Nonsense. This isn’t skipping class. I’m out doing important stuff!” Blazing Flame waved her hand seriously.
“You make a convincing argument, I have no rebuttal…”
Xu Wenxing was left speechless by her words and turned back to his computer, focusing on his own affairs.
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