Currently, Origin seemed to work similarly to the system's displayed attribute panel.
Without needing theoretical reminders from netizens, through practice alone Hibiscus had figured out some patterns: Origin was the path of life's sublimation.
In her spare time, she specifically tested a series of "emergency situation contingency plans," such as holding her breath underwater for 30 minutes easily, continuously running marathons for 24 hours without eating or drinking yet not getting tired or breathless, inhaling professional ether stolen from gang members without feeling anything, finding pepper spray less irritating than perfume...
Am I still human?
The important thing was sufficient proof that general assassination methods were laughable against magical girl constitution. And don't forget this was only first awakening—attributes would continue skyrocketing afterward.
No wonder netizens emphasized Origin's importance—after all, it guaranteed the lower limit, and the higher the lower limit, the stronger you were.
With a thought, Hibiscus summoned the system reward called "Origin Advancement Stone Fragment" and held it in her hand with no reaction. She couldn't figure out how to use it for the moment—perhaps she should wait until gradually familiarizing herself with all aspects of magical girls.
She enjoyed researching new things. Rather than constantly asking netizens and being force-fed knowledge, practical experience was best.
Another day passed, and the week-long appointment was due.
The girl went to the Storm Gang stronghold for contact. After 12 hours, Black Fiend appeared to purchase weapons and delivered Disaster Beast remains as promised. Both parties chose South Street's underground bar for the transaction.
Hibiscus agreed and made to leave, actually arriving first at the skyscraper next to the three-story bar, seeing everything clearly from the 30th floor rooftop. Vehicles, pedestrians, and passing large cargo were all clearly visible, importantly memorizing all entrances and exits.
Finally, she cross-referenced with netizens using the setting collection to confirm intelligence accuracy, then closed the page amid a chorus of "awaiting good news" reposts.
Beep!
[You have received new advice: Clear the Storm Gang Dungeon. Rewards: 30 free attribute points, Regalia Advancement Stone Fragment ×1, 5 lottery draws, 100,000 yuan cash]
Though the most generous reward so far, it wasn't good news.
System rewards reflected difficulty to some degree—generosity meant hidden powerful enemies, at least challenging ones. For instance, the Dock Gang possessed heavy firepower; not using it didn't mean they lacked capability. So what was the Storm Gang hiding that was more formidable than ordinary weapons? Having come this far, she had to brave the dragon's den and tiger's lair. Worst case, she'd bring all the grenades and blow everything sky-high.
Just as the girl was lost in wild thoughts, she saw a large truck stop at the bar entrance. A group of people acted suspiciously and even put up decorative construction cloth.
Bar, manager's office.
The leader called Black Fiend was actually a well-dressed, elegant middle-aged man in black named Li Tian. He sat upright on a leather sofa listening to a subordinate whisper in his ear while a manager waited respectfully nearby.
After a moment, he said puzzledly: "I pulled many connections to investigate, spent a week but couldn't figure out the background of the dock incident perpetrator? Really just a hero?"
"Boss Li, I've dealt with this person several times. Wrapped up tight like a lunatic."
"Lunatic is the worst news—that means communication is invalid."
"I was joking. Actually that guy should maintain contact with Changfeng Financial Group. Think about it, last time appeared because of Jin Ruochu, this time too... My small bar gathering the young miss and Disaster Beast remains—would be hard not to have incidents. Plus police are watching closely lately, can't rule out action possibilities."
Bad news kept piling up, causing headaches.
Li Tian understood that a series of actions behind the scenes couldn't be separated from Changfeng Financial Group's scheming. Did he want to stir up trouble?
Only because as Disaster Beast incidents increased, material outflow was hard to contain and did have certain effects, officials planned to legalize trading and relax controls. This way, Changfeng Financial Group that once relied on Storm Gang procurement wouldn't need black gloves—pawns should be silenced.
Fortunately he detected this early and used the Dock Gang as intermediary to plan "Jin Ruochu's kidnapping case" for bargaining chips, but was ruined by the so-called masked hero.
After going all out to kidnap directly, the other party came knocking—hard not to suspect connections.
Had to stabilize with Disaster Beast remains first.
The manager couldn't help asking: "Boss, you think we grabbed the wrong person? Which family's young miss gets lost so often? Plus that Chairman Jin showed no panic, like he was used to it. This family's weird enough—is she really his biological child? You've met him, maybe know something..."
"Never met. We always contacted through his confidant. The behind-the-scenes boss definitely isn't just black gloves, so he gave me a strange nickname."
"Maybe could directly ask that little princess."
He gestured toward the inner door of the office, where a girl was tied to a chair next door.
"No need. Whether we grabbed the right person, I at least know—yes, just that big capitalists are cold-natured. Regardless, Jin Ruochu counts as one bargaining chip."
Suddenly knocking sounded. After Li Tian responded, a small cart was pushed in with a huge crystal-wrapped blood vessel the thickness of a forearm. It was clearly Disaster Beast remains—even this insignificant small part emitted a cold aura, the blood still actively flowing, giving a sense of vitality from just one blood vessel. The room immediately filled with a fragrant smell, and the previously lazy cat perked up with bright pupils.
To ordinary people, Disaster Beasts were monsters comparable to buildings that could destroy cities—terrifying natural disasters. But few knew that any randomly dropped piece of flesh had wonderful uses, such as physical regeneration technology and curing terminal illnesses, just inconvenient to publicize.
Everyone just smelling it felt their bodies surge with hot blood, sharp hearing and vision, spirits lifted, even developing a craving for the crystal block.
Bang!
Li Tian suddenly pounded the table to bring them back to their senses. "Unrelated personnel, get out."
"Close call, really damn evil." The manager wiped cold sweat from his forehead. "Worthy of being called alien life forms. I heard it has various miraculous effects—a small piece worth a fortune. True?"
"Absolutely true. And I won't give it to the masked customer. The reason I brought the remains is because it's another bargaining chip—depending on circumstances, highest priority."
He lightly tapped the crystal block with his ring. The internal blood vessel suddenly swelled almost to bursting point. Simultaneously, veins bulged starting from his fingers throughout his body, filled with surging power, practically inexhaustible strength. No mistake—not wasted stealing an infection suppressant.
Changfeng Financial Group's biotechnology being this formidable surely hid even more terrors. Honestly didn't want to continue deeper involvement.
Once Li Tian was just a brave, aggressive small-time thug. Mixing up to his current position, choice mattered more than effort. When that choice backfired, should retreat quickly.
This time must end it.
Feeling the power within his body, he gained some confidence. The so-called masked customer should have used Changfeng Financial Group's stuff too—no one was lacking compared to others, no need to worry too much. Even had basis for cooperation with aligned interests.
Li Tian then arranged a series of escape route preparations, maintaining excitement throughout until 12 hours later when a distinguished guest would arrive.