Iris tightened her grip on her magic wand.
Nightingale floated behind her companion, looking at Star Shadow Hyacinth, who was clutching a greatsword not far away, with surprise, unsure of what to do for a moment.
Hyacinth's face showed a cunning smile like Xin Yuehu's, and her eyes were identical to the Golden Fox opposite her.
If it weren't for the fact that her magical aura was still Hyacinth's own, the two would even think that the person in front of them was Xin Yuehu in disguise.
"Hmph hmph hmph... What a suitable body, it looks like it can become Ben Hu's new toy."
Hyacinth muttered to herself, her gaze falling on Iris, as she gently moved her wrists, as if adapting to something.
"Next, Miss Nightingale."
Hyacinth raised her greatsword and pointed it at Nightingale, who was floating beside Iris.
"It's your turn."
"...!"
Nightingale trembled all over.
Being directly pointed at by Hyacinth's greatsword, coupled with Xin Yuehu's immense magical power, the double oppression of Star Shadow made Nightingale feel as if she was sitting on pins and needles, not daring to act rashly.
But she still subconsciously cast a magic shield on herself and Iris, protecting her only companion.
"Oh, you saw Ben Hu control Miss Hyacinth, and instead of fleeing, you actively cast defensive magic?"
"If I don't do this... how can I protect my companion?" Nightingale mustered her courage and said to Hyacinth.
Xin Yuehu floated beside Hellcat, a pleased smile curving her lips, and the controlled Hyacinth also showed a similar smile.
The Cat Girl looked at everything happening before her in horror, silently swallowing her saliva.
Fox Fox having Star Shadow—this shocking fact landed in the Cat Girl's eyes, and even though she was Fox Fox's teammate, Hellcat felt an oppressive sensation no less than what Nightingale and her companion experienced.
Star Shadow meant the attention and favor of the stars. If Xin Yuehu possessed Star Shadow, then she must have received the stars' favor.
A villain favored by the stars, who had also been consistently doing things very befitting a villain, Xin Yuehu's background might be more terrifying than anyone imagined.
"Hmph hmph... In that case, why don't you stack your shield a bit thicker."
Hyacinth grinned, raising the greatsword in her hand and assuming an attacking stance.
Iris and her companion immediately took up defensive stances, but looking at their former companion, Iris couldn't bring herself to open fire immediately.
That was her partner!
Ever since she became a Magic Girl, Hyacinth had always stood in front of her, taking the brunt of the attacks. Facing such a trustworthy partner, Iris felt she simply couldn't strike.
But if she didn't defeat her...
"Iris! Let's retreat!"
Bai Ling immediately sensed the dire situation and quickly said to Iris.
The girl pursed her lips, caught between a rock and a hard place.
Her former companion had fallen into enemy hands, controlled to attack her, and she couldn't bear to fire on her companion. This dilemma caused Iris great pain.
But if they left now, Hyacinth would completely fall under Xin Yuehu's control!
Hua Ling had personally experienced the little fox's methods and couldn't imagine what kind of treatment Hyacinth would receive.
She would definitely be locked into the Mind Image Space first, then this and that, then that and this, and finally, she would be completely lost in that fluffy big tail, unable to extricate herself...
Why did it feel like that wasn't a bad thing?
No! How could she have such thoughts!
The girl quickly shook off the rosy thoughts in her mind, forcing her attention back to Hyacinth, who was making an attacking move in front of her.
But the faint whispers from behind them sent cold sweat down their backs instantly:
"—Where are you looking, Miss Nightingale?"
Nightingale turned back in horror, only to see the rapidly enlarging pink Rabbit Hammer!
"CRASH!!!"
"Whoa?!"
The sneak attack succeeded!
The magic shield instantly shattered, and the Rabbit Hammer effortlessly crushed the magic shield Nightingale had hastily created, sending the tender yellow Magic Girl flying downwards!
Immediately after, a Monster appeared in front of the falling Nightingale. A flash of magical light passed, and before the girl could react, she fell into a deep sleep, motionless.
"Nightingale!" Iris cried out loudly, her heart burning with anxiety.
But the girl on the ground showed no intention of responding, lying on the park lawn with her eyes closed, peacefully asleep.
"Don't call her, she's being controlled by Ben Hu's Dream Monster. She's probably having a sweet dream right now~"
Golden Fox grinned.
"Or do you also want to enjoy a peaceful sweet dream, Miss Iris?"
"........." Iris remained silent, responding with a magic cannon charged with magical power.
In just a blink of an eye, two of the original three-person team had lost their combat ability, and even the strongest one had fallen under the opponent's control.
This was... utterly terrible.
Should I ask Miss Dandelion for help? Iris thought.
But in the current situation... even if Dandelion came to support, it would be difficult for her alone to defeat the combination of three opponents, not to mention the controlled Hyacinth.
"Since Miss Nightingale has also been subdued, then only you are left, Iris."
The little fox showed a pleased smile, activating flight magic and slowly drifting closer to Iris.
The girl's heart pounded unusually hard.
Think of a way! I absolutely cannot sit idly by!
But seeing Hellcat and Cheshire Rabbit circling behind and to her side, Hua Ling truly couldn't think of any countermeasure.
The Magic Girl team was about to suffer a complete defeat here—
—Is that really true?
"Reinforcement Magic!!"
The girl's shout echoed in the sky.
Hua Ling felt her magical power surge abruptly, and the magical impact forced back Cheshire Rabbit, who was trying to approach while invisible, knocking the Rabbit Girl out of her invisible state, making her retreat in surprise.
A golden trail streaked across the sky, and Magic Girl Dandelion rushed over!
"Dandelion? Xiaoyue?"
The White Sable Spirit, shrinking behind Iris, looked up and said, her words full of surprise.
Xin Yuehu showed a displeased expression and was about to control Hyacinth to pursue, when a golden magic missile descending from the sky forced her back several steps, clearing a path for Iris to retreat!
"Now! Go!"
Bai Ling grabbed Iris's shoulder and shouted loudly at the pure white Magic Girl beside her.
Hua Ling naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
The reinforced magic cannon feigned two attacks, forcing back Hellcat who tried to approach, and magic missiles suppressed Cheshire Rabbit who appeared from invisibility, taking the opportunity to fly high into the sky!
"...I'll chase."
Hellcat's magical power flashed, her dark blue cloak replacing her Cat Girl-shaped formal dress, attempting to accelerate in pursuit in her Hell Shrike form.
But Xin Yuehu stopped the Cat Girl who was about to rush forward in pursuit.
"Enough, Cat Cat, no need to chase."
"But..." Nan Jiayu turned back in confusion.
In her opinion, taking advantage of the opponent being down two members to capture all the Magic Girls was the best opportunity. She didn't quite understand why Fox Fox would stop her.
"We have Hyacinth and Miss Nightingale in our hands, they will naturally come knocking on our door."
"...Alright then, I'll listen to you, Fox Fox."
Golden Fox smiled softly.
With that, the initial plan was complete.
Iris, oh Iris... Last time, I couldn't invite you to the stage, so this time, on this giant stage specially prepared for you...
Now that you are alone again, what kind of wonderful show will you put on?