Chapter 367: The Calamity God’s Uprising, Turning the World to Ashes

The moon shone bright but few stars were visible. The heavy sea waves crashed against the rocks, creating layers of white foam that splashed around, adding a touch of coolness to the end of summer.

The bishop, granted a small amount of power by Helldir, aimed to use the Ideal State group to seize the power of the planet, trying to maintain the situation in a way that allowed for conflict without destruction, making it easier for him to seek enjoyment like a madman.

Yet even Thousand Faces, a reckless man who disrespected the Calamity God, couldn’t control his emotions upon seeing the current scene. His mask was chipped and broken, revealing a strange face, but before he could show any expression, the dark cracks continued to spread and overflow.

In the next moment, with a cracking sound of breaking, whether handsome, flirtatious, gentle, strong, ugly, or ordinary…

Those faces, each from different beings, uncontrollably collapsed rapidly. The peeling skin fell away like burnt ashes, evaporating completely as they fell, in such a quick manner that it didn’t even give him a chance to express his true emotions through his face.

And surprisingly, even the hundred-faced dice, which symbolized Helldir’s power, froze in the air, as if choked, and started spinning wildly, as if in confusion, losing all its ability to attack Tang Liuli.

At that moment, all the chips he had thrown away vanished into thin air, like stocks that had been shorted, disappearing in the terror of the endless drop on the green line, to the point where he himself would have to pay an even greater price, and in an instant, it became so much that it could only be paid with his life—PERSONA.

Thousand Faces wanted to bend down and laugh loudly; this unexpected event, completely overlooked by Helldir’s foresight, was truly a miracle among miracles, and it was exactly what fascinated gamblers.

Win everything, or have nothing at all.

Even if it was the latter now, he still tasted an unprecedented joy.

“Hahaha, interesting, interesting, this is so interesting.”

The man covered his face like a madman, trembling and shaking his shoulders; he seemed frightened, yet excited, and then suddenly opened his arms, his lips curled up, revealing an expression of joyful surprise and wild laughter.

Thousand Faces’s constantly shifting and shattered pupils stared intently at the illusory shadow, as if reminiscing about something, whispering:

“Trust me, we will meet again, I…”

Before finishing the sentence, the body dressed in an elegant suit burst apart like a blood-filled bag, shattering into a mist of blood and chunks of flesh.

The hundred-faced dice was held in one hand, and as matter broke apart and energy faded, the traces of power belonging to the Calamity God completely vanished, leaving behind a barely audible echo:

“Sorry, I’m in a hurry.”

“This gamble was never valid from the start.”

Then, without any warning, a beam of light shot by like a meteor. It did not wait for Tang Liuli, who was standing by the shore and had already noticed the movement; with a speed far beyond sound, it pierced through the other’s chest, reaching the heart.

In the next second, there was a heavy splash sound.

The girl’s gaze became unfocused, her lovely face still showing confusion, as heavy drowsiness took over, allowing her white dress to get stained with fine sand, smudging the poems, and she fell to the ground, slipping into unconsciousness.

…

…

The Order Coalition, Solomon Islands.

This famous tourist spot, like Hawaii, from over a decade ago, had been gradually dimmed under the control of the world government, and flights to this place had been completely stopped, vanishing without a trace.

After many years of blockade and guarding, the waters around the Solomon Islands had truly become a military no-go zone, hosting nuclear-powered aircraft carriers that were once considered national-level deterrents.

Above the atmosphere, there was also a satellite specifically monitoring this area.

It was clear that this was one of the thirteen forbidden places.

—[King of Salt].

This Calamity God, seventeen years ago, radiated some powers in an embryonic form, completely turning most of the Solomon Islands into salt, creating a pure white area that could be called a life forbidden zone.

It was said that over seventeen years, the waters between the islands had mostly become completely saltified, resembling the glacial regions at the North and South Poles, with a thickness reaching ten thousand meters, going deep into the ocean.

This incredibly large aircraft carrier served as the mobile command center for the Countermeasures Bureau, constantly monitoring the movements of the King of Salt, with teams led by captain-level witches stationed inside all year round to prevent an outbreak in the forbidden zone.

At that moment, the idea that shook the souls of all living things began to stir wildly in the nearby sea. Pure white salt blocks piled up and swelled, like an angry dragon roaring in the ocean. Many waves and whirlpools formed, only to instantly freeze into salt crystals.

The current technology of humans could not handle the power of the King of Salt. The aircraft carrier retreated at a speed of 45 knots, its hangars full of planes and weapons having no place to fight.

After 17 years of repeated firepower, watching them turn into crushed salt blocks in the Solomon Islands, the Countermeasures Bureau reached its only conclusion.

Even if a nuclear weapon were dropped into it, it would not cause a reaction; it would simply be swallowed by the idea of salt. Even releasing it from a safe distance, using light and heat to attack, could only bring a rain of salt to the Solomon Islands.

Yes, even attacks like kinetic energy, thermal energy, or shockwaves, which did not have physical forms, could not escape the passive release of the salt concept by the Calamity God.

As for magical girls…

“In the danger zone, all those with magic levels below ‘River’ must stay on deck and wait!”

After speaking, Xie Qing Yu built her Magic Armor and soared up. The violet that danced beside her transformed into a butterfly guitar in her arms.

The girl lowered her gaze and strummed the strings, bringing forth the rock soul of “Butterfly of the Underworld,” causing the sea ahead to roll back over dozens of hectares, wrapping the flooded salt crystal land in bubbles filled with millions of magic essence. The notes that shook the earth roared, announcing the surge of emotions.

This was a shining realm that belonged only to the union of idols and magical girls. Under the infinite magnification of will, emotion, and magic energy, it created a momentary space that enveloped the entire archipelago, like a huge dream bubble that stirred up a vast amount of seawater, shattering countless salt blocks and swallowing the forbidden area.

Boom, boom, boom, boom…

In an instant, the concept of saltification from the Calamity God began to collide violently with the idealistic power belonging to Xie Qing Yu. Hundreds of hectares of seawater seemed to merge with the will of this witch, shining with intense heat, clashing like blades and making a noise far louder than before.

With all her focus, Xie Qing Yu nearly used up most of her strength just to create a standoff with the raging forbidden zone. Her heart sank continuously, realizing she wouldn’t last until reinforcements arrived.

Even under normal circumstances, the Solomon Islands would have different intensities of saltification erosion depending on the area.

Right now, the shining energy amplified by rock music could block the first wave of impact, but as a stronger erosion came, it wouldn’t just be difficult to fully intercept; with one careless move, she could even be traced by the magic energy particles, bringing the saltification back to herself.

If that happened, even if she activated Blooming Flowers, she would have to cut off her own strength and might even end up entangled to death.

But…

It was also impossible to ignore it.

Every inch the forbidden zone expanded, it ate away at humanity’s living space.

The key point was, according to Teacher Dream Weaver, the forbidden zones created by the Calamity God were like the coloring phase in a war game; once they were colored, they would be analyzed, digested, learned from, imitated, and finally seize part of the planet’s power.

Even if the entire planet were turned to salt, one must still face the Intracastral Sea; it was impossible to directly take away the magical girl’s foundation, and unless absolutely necessary, not a single step could be given.

The only thing to be thankful for was that, unlike the forbidden zone suppressed by Dragon Witch Elise — Nergal — the area around the Solomon Islands was deserted, and if it was necessary to retreat, it wouldn’t cause too many casualties.

Xie Qing Yu felt anxious; in her years as a magical girl, she had never encountered such a large-scale outbreak of forbidden zones.

And surely she had been rather unlucky?

Xie Qing Yu was very gloomy; just yesterday, she had said goodbye to her parents and sister, returning from Paris in a cheerful mood, and arrived at the Solomon Islands with the Butterfly of the Underworld, only to encounter the uprising of the King of Salt today.

The worst part was that, even though she had grown stronger with Teacher Chu’s help, it was impossible to suppress an uprising of this scale; she must be prepared to use Full Power Mode.

Violet, however, was not scared at all; she cheerfully and bravely encouraged everyone.

“Little Yu, don’t cry! Ignite your rock spirit, and let’s together defeat the Calamity God until it screams!”

Listening to the little butterfly’s chattering, Xie Qing Yu felt her will strengthen suddenly. The cost of entering Full Power Mode was to lose Violet forever. If she wanted to avoid this outcome, she had to surpass her limits before that!

Meanwhile, Ji Xintong and the other teammates rushed to the ether power generator in the aircraft carrier’s chamber. They temporarily activated a mode that combined magic energy with nuclear power, allowing the disaster team, which could only handle regular disturbances created by the forbidden zone, to quickly evacuate.

As the Light Stone core was activated by magic,

The group of girls flew together and started to transform magic energy, weaving a large Mortal Realm Barrier around one of the magical girls who used a concept-type technique, aiming to forcefully seal it just like the Dragon Witch’s team did.

The pressure on Xie Qing Yu’s heart grew heavier. The magical girls, as part of an idol group, could channel their magic to shine together, creating an incredibly amazing reaction.

This was the concept of idols, emotions, self-awareness, the wishes of all beings, and various other elements, all bestowing the wonderful power of Shining Magic.

So, even if her teammates weren’t at Full Power or lacked river realm magic, they could never be considered a burden; they were still excellent support.

Xie Qing Yu certainly understood these things, but she would rather fight alone than see any of her teammates die in front of her again.

In the moment when thoughts flowed,

The voice of the violet echoed in her ears:

“Little Yu, since that time, you have always regretted, regretted so deeply that you dream about Su Wan every day, regretted to the point of repeatedly thinking about how it felt to hold that lantern.”

“You regret not being able to save her, and you regret not being able to kill her right away.”

“But everyone else feels the same way. Xintong, Yueyi, Bai Ran, Yujin… none of them have forgotten Little Wan and Xu Yan’s deaths. They are all bound by the past, punished by guilt, and eaten away by regret, just like you.”

The little butterfly whispered softly:

“Since that time, they sometimes cry quietly at night, they softly apologize to me, they feel wronged and sad for you, and they regret that you faced such cruel things alone.”

“You know? Just as you would rather die in battle than see others get hurt, others are fighting with the same thought.”

“So, I will never allow you to approach battle with such a careless attitude.”

“Little Yu, remember, have you forgotten what song you are playing now?”

The girl’s fingers danced like flowing water, creating the angry sound of crashing waves, but her bright blue eyes were lost in thought. How could she forget?

“Butterfly of the Underworld” is a rock song named after a group, a way for her friends who love rock music to help her achieve her dream in a rebellious way and escape her gray childhood.

Even in the eyes of fans, it is truly their team song, a piece played every time they go on stage.

But she didn’t know when she started to get used to playing alone on the battlefield; she almost forgot that without magic, a guitar couldn’t play a complete version of “Butterfly of the Underworld.”

At this moment, not far away,

Ji Xintong looked down silently, her dyed flaxen hair swaying as the magically crafted guitar fell into her arms. Her slender fingers skillfully began to play, seamlessly blending into the dreamy, confused music.

This former rival from the talent show seemed to mock Xie Qing Yu’s current uncertainty, playing with more passion and madness, snatching the notes that formed the main melody, as if silently expressing that they were one team.

Bass, drums, keyboard player…

Even while busy weaving spells, this group of idols, very familiar with “Butterfly of the Underworld,” showed their strong belief in taking the stage and their intense passion for rock music, quickly pushing the lead Xie Qing Yu aside.

Xie Qing Yu hadn’t realized yet, but the rock spirit hidden inside her ignited fiercely, rebelling ahead of her, urging her soul instinctively, turning all her emotions into a blazing fire that exploded through her fingertips and notes.

Confusion, pain, sadness, hesitation, fear…

Those messy and hesitant emotions, filled with cowardice, served as fuel in the music, burned away completely during the thunderous sounds echoing in the sky, and began to erupt in layers.

The little butterfly inspired:

“One person’s rock spirit is not enough; the sound of one guitar cannot break through the clouds, so now is the time to let our spirit burn!”

“Don’t overthink, don’t run away, don’t be sad; isn’t ‘Butterfly of the Underworld’ your debut song?”

“Now, the sky is the stage, and the waves are the audience; no matter what the [Calamity God] is, let’s burn it to ashes with rock!”

At this moment, whether they win or lose, live or die, this song “Butterfly of the Underworld” united them, standing together as a community facing all difficulties.

So, the magic energy, emotions, brilliance, obsessions, and hearts of the five people surged like a gigantic tsunami of sound, creating incredible chemistry, like an unpredictable stage, rising in layers, continuously climbing, spiraling together.

How amazing it was! Even without an audience, they relied on each other’s brilliance and bonds to maintain a stronger intensity than the “King of Salt,” tightly locking out the surrounding salt erosion with the waves of their team spirit!

Even a brief stalemate still surpassed the expectations of the super AI.

Esther observed the situation through satellites, taking in the serious global crisis, and sighed:

“Little Yu, hold on a little longer.”

“Even if we pull all the troops stationed in the ‘Forbidden Zone,’ we still won’t have enough strength to support here right now.”

Because it was not just one place in the Solomon Islands that was suffering.

After the riot of the “King of Salt,” “Youmir,” “Tenno-Gochu,” and even the mysterious “Calamity God” referred to as “Amahl” by the followers, who had not provided any related information, also awoke and started a riot!

At the same time, four forbidden zones were in chaos, and four “Calamity Gods” were stirring; the Countermeasures Bureau had no time and dared not provide support, afraid that as soon as the witch in charge of this forbidden area left, an explosion would happen right afterward.

The only one who dared to take a gamble and withdraw troops was the “Forbidden Zone of Nothingness,” which had not detected any special powers for 17 years and had only isolated and blocked certain areas.

As for the others, they could only defend according to the original plan and slowly send in available captains for rescue.

In terms of rescue priorities, the Solomon Islands were at the very bottom, as this area was desolate, and even if things spread, there wouldn’t be any casualties in the short term.

Right now, the most urgent rescue was for the true form of “Pure White”—Chu Yuanqing.

As this Miracle Wall, which spanned the world, trembled from almost just losing consciousness, the “Calamity God” gained a bit of breathing room, like a prisoner who found a chance to escape, frantically radiating power and trying to break free at any cost.

However, at this moment, “Pure White” had not yet reached the stage of total collapse; the powers that the “Calamity God” could use were still very limited; otherwise, most captains would fail in a confrontation.

Even so, the Human Parliament was still frightened.

The current unrest in just four forbidden zones had made the Countermeasures Bureau, which combined the power of civilizations, extremely anxious; how would they respond if all thirteen forbidden zones rebel?

It is important to remember that last time, when Elise suppressed the forbidden zone, it came at the cost of sacrificing the Lantern Elf. If she wanted to use “Full Power Mode” again, the price would only be higher.

Don’t talk about the future; how many magical girls would the Countermeasures Bureau sacrifice this time?

Also, Chu Yuanqing’s health was getting worse. Could she really hold on until the “Dazzling Stage” project unfolded completely and shone on the world stage as the “Beacon,” bringing peace to the world?

While the command here was in chaos, in an old neighborhood in Sea City, the Lantern Elf sat on the sofa, shaking the magical ring on its tail.

This adorable creature had golden eyes, and as the light dimmed, it revealed many brown seeds like the center of a sunflower. It tilted its head, looking at Chu Yuanqing, appearing… incredibly terrifying for a moment.