My Magical Girl Syst Chapter 66: Between Glitter and Shadow

Chapter 66: Between Glitter and Shadow

They arrived at the Horizon Guild Hall just as the evening lights began to twinkle along the grand entrance. The building was an architectural masterpiece, gleaming white stone, soaring columns, and crystal chandeliers visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Heroes in formal attire mingled on the wide steps, their laughter and conversation drifting into the cool night air.

Andrey stepped out of the van first, straightening the cuffs of his crisp white shirt. His black blazer was tailored perfectly, and his usual tie had been replaced by a sleek silver clip that matched the inventory ring on his finger. His hair was neatly combed, and his glasses caught the light.

Sarah erged next, and even Andrey had to pause for a second. She wore a deep burgundy dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, with a slit that ran daringly up her thigh. The neckline was modest but suggestive, hinting at the swell of her breasts without revealing too much. Her brown hair was styled in loose waves, and a small ruby pendant rested in the hollow of her throat. She looked elegant and undeniably attractive.

Sein followed, her outfit a stark contrast—black high-waisted pants that allowed a full range of motion, a fitted crimson halter top that left her shoulders and arms bare, and minimal jewelry. Just a pair of small silver hoops and her ever-present gauntlets, though tonight they were disguised as sleek black bracelets. Her orange hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and her green eyes scanned the crowd with a condescending look.

Lisa ca last, practically bouncing with nervous energy. She wore a pastel lavender dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that ended just above her knees. Delicate lace trimd the sleeves and hem, and a thin white ribbon cinched her waist. Her twintails were adorned with small silver clips shaped like stars, and she wore simple white flats. She looked cute, sweet, and utterly angelic.

Lisa clasped her hands in front of her, her eyes wide as she took in the grandeur of the hall. "We made it! I was so worried we’d be late."

Sarah shot her a sideways glance, one hand on her hip. "That’s because the system kept demanding rewards. We barely had ti to shower, let alone get dressed."

Sein shrugged, her expression unbothered. "Being a little late doesn’t matter. It’s not like this is so high-stakes mission. These people care more about their champagne flutes than punctuality."

Sarah’s eyes narrowed. "Oh, is that so? Then why did you take forever in the bathroom? We were all waiting on you."

Sein’s cheeks flushed slightly, but her voice remained flat. "That’s because Andrey wouldn’t let

go. He kept saying ’just a few more minutes’ and then—"

Andrey cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses with practiced calm. "That’s not an accurate description. The reward sequence was still in progress. I couldn’t simply stop midway." He turned to Sarah, his tone even but pointed. "And speaking of taking forever, you were the one who spent the most ti getting ready. So don’t start blaming others."

Sarah opened her mouth to retort, then closed it. Her cheeks colored, and she looked away. "...Fine. Let’s just go in."

Lisa giggled softly, linking her arm through Sarah’s. "Co on, you two can argue later. I want to see the inside!"

They walked up the wide marble steps, past pairs of heroes in elegant gowns and sharp tuxedos. A few heads turned as they passed—curious glances, appreciative nods, and in one case, a surprised double-take from a hero who clearly recognized Sein.

The entrance hall was even more stunning than the exterior. Crystal chandeliers hung from a vaulted ceiling, casting prismatic light across the polished floor. A live orchestra played sowhere in the distance, the music swelling and fading like a gentle tide. Waiters in crisp white uniforms circulated with silver trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Andrey scanned the room, his Ki senses reaching out. No imdiate threats. No dark mana signatures. But sothing felt... off. A prickling at the back of his neck that he couldn’t quite place.

"Everything okay?" Lisa asked, noticing his tension.

Andrey forced a small smile. "Just being careful. Let’s find Markus."

They moved deeper into the crowd, weaving between clusters of chatting heroes.

Andrey pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts. He tapped Markus’s na and held the device to his ear.

One ring. Two. Three.

He tried again. Sa result.

Frowning, he slipped the phone back into his blazer pocket. Markus had been insistent about them coming. ’Why wasn’t he answering?’

Sarah’s voice cut through his thoughts. "Hey, isn’t that Hope?"

Andrey looked up.

Across the grand hall, near a cluster of high-ranking heroes, stood Hope. Her golden hair cascaded over her bare shoulders in soft waves, and her dress, a shimring silver gown with a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination, clung to every curve. The fabric was almost liquid, shifting with her movents. She laughed at sothing one of her companions said, her crystal sword nowhere in sight, replaced by confidence and an aura of effortless elegance.

Lisa’s face lit up. She waved her hand enthusiastically. "Hope! Over here!"

Hope turned, her blue eyes finding them. A smile spread across her lips—genuine, if a little surprised. She excused herself from her group and glided toward them, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor.

Andrey’s internal thought surfaced: ’That outfit is way too revealing...’ He quickly averted his gaze, focusing on her face instead of the generous amount of skin on display.

Hope stopped in front of them, offering a warm smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of awkwardness—particularly when they settled on Andrey.

"Andrey! Sarah, Lisa..." Her gaze shifted to Sein, and her smile faltered for just a mont before recovering. "And Sein. I didn’t expect to see you all here."

Sarah crossed her arms, a hint of amusent in her voice. "Markus invited us. Said it was good for networking."

Hope nodded, her attention drifting back to Andrey. "I’ve been trying to reach you. I sent a few ssages after the gate incident... I wanted to check if you were okay."

Andrey adjusted his glasses, his expression calm and composed. "I saw them. I’ve been busy. We’re fine."

Hope’s smile tightened slightly. She opened her mouth as if to say more, then closed it. The awkwardness between them was palpable, a stark contrast to their first eting, when she had been so confident and reassuring.

Sarah glanced between them, her brow furrowing. ’Oh, right... Andrey never replied to any of Hope’s ssages. He just left her on read.’

Hope cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "Well, I’m glad you ca. This event is a good opportunity to et people who might help with future missions." She turned to Sein, her expression softening with genuine curiosity. "I have to admit, I’m surprised to see you with Andrey’s group, Sein. Last I heard, you were... lying low."

Sein shrugged, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp. "Things change. Andrey offered

a place. I took it."

Hope’s eyebrows rose slightly. "Andrey recruited you? An ex-S-rank?"

Andrey t Hope’s gaze steadily. "Sein is part of our team now. She’s proven herself."

Hope’s expression flickered—surprise, perhaps a touch of sothing else. "I see. That’s... unexpected. But I’m glad she found a place."

Sein didn’t respond, her green eyes fixed on a point sowhere across the hall.

Lisa, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward with a bright smile. "We’ve been through a lot together already! Sein is really strong, and we’re lucky to have her."

Hope nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on Sein for a mont longer before shifting back to Andrey. "Well, I won’t keep you. Enjoy the evening." She hesitated, then added more quietly, "Andrey... if you ever want to talk, I’m here. I know things were... complicated after the gate."

Andrey’s expression didn’t change. "Thank you, Hope. I’ll keep that in mind."

Hope’s smile wavered, but she nodded and walked away, her silver gown swaying with each step.

Sarah watched her go, then elbowed Andrey lightly. "You could have been a little warr, you know. She’s clearly trying to make ands."

Andrey adjusted his glasses. "I’m not angry at her. But I’m not ready to pretend nothing happened."

Lisa sighed softly but didn’t argue.

Sein, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, spoke up. "That woman. She was in the gate with us—the Vixion operation."

Andrey nodded. "She was."

Sein’s eyes narrowed. "She looks guilty. She should." Her tone was flat, but there was no venom in it—just observation. "But she’s not the one I bla."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Who do you bla, then?"

Sein didn’t answer. She turned and walked toward the nearest champagne table, snagging a glass and downing half of it in one go.

Lisa watched her go, then looked at Andrey. "Should we...?"

"Give her space," Andrey said. "She’ll co back when she’s ready."

And none of them noticed the pink-haired woman watching from the zzanine above, her crimson eyes tracking their every move, her heart-tipped tail swaying slowly behind her.

"Found you," Gea whispered, her lips curving into a smile.