Chapter 86: The End

This was perhaps the first time Wen Yanquan addressed her by her given name.

Not by her magical girl codename—the way they were more familiar with each other.

Jiang Lingwei understood Wen Yanquan’s intentions.

She understood everything, just as she had vaguely known in her heart, right after waking up, that the father of her child would sooner or later appear before her.

She just didn’t want to face it.

As a magical girl, her personality was simply ill-suited to be a leader.

And magic itself only amplified both the strengths and weaknesses of her character.

Jiang Lingwei found it difficult to make decisions at critical moments and to reach accurate and firm judgments.

Perhaps it was for this reason that, although her talent was pure light—sounding closer to the very essence of light magic than her companions—she was practically a pure support role in both combat and everyday life.

Wisdom.

Determination.

When helping others achieve their goals, Jiang Lingwei could give her all, even overflowing with resolve.

But if it was up to her to decide for herself, she would hesitate, wavering back and forth.

Sometimes, unless pushed into a corner, Jiang Lingwei simply could not make up her mind.

Regarding this personality trait of hers, Wen Yanquan—who in the past had given the old man a way out based on Jiang Lingwei’s intelligence, had become like a good brother to her, and was the closest among the companions—knew her even better than Jiang Lingwei herself.

If she rephrased it as a request to Jiang Lingwei, saying something like:
“小 Aurora, please help me find everyone.”

Jiang Lingwei would begin preparations without hesitation.

Yes, that was the past. From the current perspective, strictly speaking, she might hesitate a little because of her current family, but in the end, Jiang Lingwei would still fulfill everything entrusted to her by Wen Yanquan and the others.

She was always so soft-hearted, always so precious to others.

Correspondingly, Aurora rarely showed much concern for herself.

Unexplainably little, as if in her world, caring for others while neglecting herself was simply a matter of course.

On this point, there were some things only Wen Yanquan herself knew, and she had no intention of telling Jiang Lingwei.

“Bring Aurora along, she’s always by herself, that’s not good.”

“This time, bring little Aurora, okay~”

“Ah… going out again… I don’t feel like moving… Fine, little tree spirit, go fetch Aurora.”

“…Bring Aurora… along.”

“(Intense electric guitar riff)”

After Wen Yanquan asked that question, she kept pointing toward Jiangcheng, while the words of her past companions floated in her mind.

Aurora, she always shone light on those around her.

Especially after the sacrifice of the solar corona, in that darkest moment, Aurora took on the responsibility of caring for everyone.

Aurora—the dazzling glow caused by solar wind particles under the influence of the magnetic field, spreading boundlessly—almost no one ever noticed how fleeting this silent appearance was, how it brought beauty and warmth as comfort to others.

And Jiang Lingwei, whose codename was 【Aurora】, her fate naturally followed the same pattern.

—It was meant to be so.

Never forget, her companions were all magical girls.

They had all kinds of personalities and unique talents, which shaped their own ways of acting.

Yet, there was always something that no difference between them could block.

That was their care for each other, and the kindness in their hearts.

Jiang Lingwei might never know, nor did she need to know, that no one really liked going shopping, nor did they truly have nothing to do.

It was just that whenever she was troubled or at a loss, there would always be a dependable companion who “just happened” to appear at that moment, asking:
“Going out alone is so boring, come with me for a stroll.”

Then, the north wind would come by, helping prepare what was needed for going out, hoping they would have fun.

From an observer’s perspective, and as a member of the small group secretly hiding this from Aurora, Wen Yanquan naturally knew all this.

Everyone knew Aurora was not good at asking for what she needed, but was enthusiastic about fulfilling others’ wishes, hardly ever venting even when troubled.

So, they used this “please” approach to take her out to unwind.

Wen Yanquan had to admit that having such a lovely group as comrades and companions was like spending all the luck she had in several lifetimes.

However, the more so, the more she had to throw this thorny problem to Jiang Lingwei, and this time, she couldn’t offer any help.

Since Yunxia left those words behind, it meant she was fully confident that the magical equipment she left would surely reach Aurora’s hands.

But, what happened during that period—the timing of 【Ming】’s return to Aurora and Aurora’s current state—she could never have predicted.

Unable to bear looking at Jiang Lingwei, who had already bowed her head so low that her expression was unclear, Wen Yanquan simply stared at Jiangcheng.

The man’s expression remained unchanged, still unreadable in terms of joy or sorrow.

What was he thinking about Jiang Lingwei’s situation?

(Hurry and persuade her.)

Unable to decide on Aurora’s behalf, Wen Yanquan’s heart already had her inclination.

At this moment, she silently thought:
(Persuade her, let her stay by your side. Don’t pay any more attention to magic matters. Aurora… she’s already tired enough.)

At some point, Wen Yanquan suddenly opened her eyes wide in surprise.

It was Jiangcheng. He was shaking his head.

It was as if he had already seen through Wen Yanquan’s thoughts and silently expressed his refusal.

Then, he turned his head and gently placed his hand on Jiang Lingwei’s shoulder, who had completely bowed her head.

“小 Wei, listen to me. No matter what choice you make.”

Jiangcheng said:

“I support you. I can also handle things with Yaoyao’s side.”

“No matter the cost, even if I have to stay behind for my daughter and just wait for your return.”

“As long as I can do it, whatever you ask, I’ll do it.”

Without any extra words, the man just sat there calmly and gently, making his promise.

“Don’t let me or others influence you. Just speak your mind.”

“No matter what it is, I support you. Everything, including your life, I, Jiangcheng, will bear.”

“…”

Finally, Jiang Lingwei raised her head.

At some unknown moment, tears were streaming down her face.

The past of walking shoulder to shoulder with her companions was, after all, only a month ago for her.

At this moment, those memories felt even more real, like a slideshow with sound playing automatically, flashing through her mind over and over.

Should she leave everything behind to pursue the unfinished business of others?

Or abandon her past companions and take responsibility for the present, especially for the daughter she had lost for so many years?

What exactly should she choose?

Night.

Jiang Lingwei silently stared at the necklace placed in the box.

Though cracked all over, the pink gem resting quietly on the cushion inside the box still emitted a bright glow, as if it would never fade.

Jiang Lingwei just stared… and stared…

Unaware of how much time had passed…

“Mom~”

Jiang Yao’s voice came from downstairs:

“Hahaha, Mom, come quick! Dad burned the peanuts! Ah! Little White, where are you running? Let me give you a taste!”

“Click.”

The clasp softly clicked.

Jiang Lingwei closed the box, shut the cabinet door, and turned to leave.

She wiped away the moisture at the corner of her eyes, then smiled as she walked downstairs, saying:

“What’s going on? I’m coming! Let me see what’s happening!”

Volume One, The Magical Girl Awakening from the Past
(The End)