Chapter 234: Border Inspection Station

Magic Kingdom, Rune Nor Border Inspection Station.

This is the inevitable destination for people entering the kingdom through the Gate of Worlds, and also the starting point of every traveler's journey within the kingdom; thus, the kingdom has set up this mechanism here as the final review for arrivals.

Of course, after the dual screening of the Kingdom Express and the Gate of Worlds guards, the number of lawless individuals who can actually reach here is already very small, so another function of the Border Inspection Station is to provide guidance for travelers newly entering the kingdom, so they do not get lost upon arriving here.

Standing here, Lin Xiaolu felt at a loss.

Tall and magnificent archways, magnificent halls, luxurious and elegant decorations, golden and glittering curtain walls.

The overly gorgeous interior furnishings made her dare not even take a step, fearing she might take the wrong path and break some rule, so she could only stand motionless at the entrance of the Gate of Worlds.

Moreover, judging by the time of their arrival, Senior Cuique should also be coming out of the Gate of Worlds soon.

"So slow." Looking at the time on her phone screen, she couldn't help but mutter: "It's been almost ten minutes already; did it take that long when we came over? Did something unexpected happen?"

"It shouldn't be, right? According to Xiaoxuan's account, the guards over there already let the Junior Senior pass, didn't they?"

Xia Liang, standing nearby, also showed a look of confusion: "Could there have been some problem in the middle passage?"

However, no one could give them an answer.

"I, I'll go check on the other side of the door." After a while, seeing that no one was still coming out of the Gate of Worlds, Bai Jingxuan made this suggestion.

Having said this, she stepped forward, but was quickly grabbed by the arm by Xia Liang beside her.

"Wait, wait, this door isn't your room door; you can't just come and go as you please."

Smiling dryly and waving her hand, Xia Liang strongly dissuaded her: "It's too dangerous; it's better not to act recklessly."

"But, Teacher she..." Bai Jingxuan turned back and opened her mouth, but changed her words halfway through: "Maybe it's because of my problem..."

"Even so, you can't just run into the Gate of Worlds like that."

Xia Liang sighed: "Let's wait a bit longer, wait a little more; if it really doesn't work, go ask someone else."

The group waited in place for another five minutes.

Fortunately, the unexpected situation did not continue, because soon, the Gate of Worlds before them suddenly flickered, and then a figure appeared at the doorway.

Confirming that the person emerging from the door was Senior Cuique, the several juniors finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Teacher!" Bai Jingxuan, who had been staring intently at the doorway all along, rushed up first.

"Are you okay?" Lin Xiaolu's reaction was a beat slower, but she followed closely behind.

"The time it took to come over was longer than expected; did you encounter a problem?" Xia Liang did not react as obviously as the other two, but approached with slight concern and asked: "Xiaoxuan said she was stopped by the guards at the door; was it because of those guards?"

"... Nothing, it had nothing to do with the guards of the Gate of Worlds; I just encountered a small problem while passing the Gate Bridge, and it has already been resolved."

Senior Cuique gave a half-true, half-false explanation, then stepped forward: "Sorry to keep you waiting. Since everyone is here, let's go handle the entry procedures now."

"Are you really okay?"

But Lin Xiaolu still looked worried: "Your complexion looks a bit poor..."

"Because I consumed a lot of magic power."

Senior Cuique pretended to be somewhat exhausted and sighed: "I encountered spatial connection fluctuations on the Gate Bridge. Although it would have been fine to stand still and wait a bit longer, I wanted to come over quickly, so I used my own magic power to resolve it."

The "spatial connection fluctuations" she mentioned were an unexpected situation that occurred only in extremely rare cases on the Gate Bridge; the specific manifestation was the loss of connection between the other end of the Gate Bridge and the kingdom, making the door leading to the kingdom impossible to push open. However, because the kingdom side had a handling plan for such unexpected situations, no casualties had occurred to date.

Undoubtedly, this was not the real reason she had stayed on the Gate Bridge for ten extra minutes, but it served as an excuse perfectly.

"Spatial connection fluctuations?" Hearing this, Lin Xiaolu blinked her eyes and showed a confused expression.

As expected, the brand-new concept Senior Cuique threw out quickly attracted the attention of the several juniors.

As she clearly explained the phenomenon corresponding to this term and described her own experience in a seemingly authentic manner, the group no longer suspected anything and quickly believed Senior Cuique's account.

However, as this doubt was resolved, another question lingering in everyone's hearts was brought up by Xia Liang:

"Hmm... although it's good that it had nothing to do with the guards at that Gate of Worlds, but what about those words you said to us on the way here, Junior Senior?"

"Words said on the way?" Senior Cuique seemed somewhat puzzled.

"About those two guards, you know, 'don't ask too much, don't look too much,' describing it like a ghost story."

Having relaxed, Lin Xiaolu also had the leisure to ask Xia Liang all sorts of questions: "And, although I only took one look, it seemed like those two guards had something like wings behind them... and antennae on their heads? What is that? Who are they?"

This time, Senior Cuique actually paused.

Unlike the experience on the Gate Bridge, where she could make up some excuse to bluff her way through, this question, although she also did not want to tell the truth, seemed to require an honest answer.

So, is it necessary to tell them now?

After a brief consideration and weighing of pros and cons, Senior Cuique spoke again, but answered in extremely concise language: "They are fairies."

Having said this, she raised her hand as if she had foreknowledge, held up her index finger, and made a shushing gesture in front of her mouth.

— "Eh!"

"Hah?"

"Really?"

Moments later, the exclamations of the juniors rose and fell as she had predicted.

Fortunately, Senior Cuique made the gesture very early, so the young girls quickly realized they were in a public place; after only a brief exclamation, they all fell silent, not attracting too much attention from passersby. But closing their mouths did not mean their curiosity would be satisfied.

Senior Cuique also knew this, so she continued to selectively provide some information:

"As you can see, fairies with forms close to humans do indeed exist within the kingdom; however, such fairies are extremely few in number and their whereabouts are mysterious. Under normal circumstances, even within the kingdom, you will not see fairies in human form."

Hearing this, Lin Xiaolu became even more puzzled: "Won't see them? Then the guards at the Gate of Worlds..."

"The Gate of Worlds is an exception, a very rare exception; because it is important enough, it requires such fairies to serve as guards."

Senior Cuique lowered her voice as much as possible: "Except for the Gate of Worlds, under normal circumstances, only the Wang Ting will have such human-shaped fairies, so there is no need to pay too much attention; just knowing of their existence is enough."

"Fairies that look like humans... are they very powerful?" Recalling the scene where she was previously stopped by the guards, Bai Jingxuan asked a question that perhaps only she would want to know.

"This question..."

Senior Cuique pondered for a moment: "If a rating must be given, they are very powerful."

Thus, the young girls fell silent, having to digest this conclusion first. After all, the fairies they had previously encountered, except for Semi from Claw Mark, were mostly completely lacking in combat capability. Compared to the description "powerful," words like "cute" and "likable" were more suitable for ordinary fairies.

During this process, they had already crossed the long corridor and arrived at the checkpoint responsible for the final entry inspection.

Compared to the inspections at the train station and the border gate, the atmosphere here was remarkably relaxed: travelers merely needed to present their identification, exchange a few words with the inspector, briefly state their situation, and upon verification, they would be granted passage. If travelers were uncertain about their next destination, the inspectors would offer some assistance.

"Name?"

"Codename: Dragon's Bane."

"Magical girl?"

"Yes."

"What are you returning to the Magic Realm for?"

"Qualification certification."

"Any violation records?"

"None."

"..."

The inspector chatted idly with Senior Cuique; as she answered, the inspector—apparently elderly—scribbled on the form before him, then soon ceased questioning, set the completed form aside, and returned Senior Cuique's identification.

"All right, cleared. Welcome back to the Magic Realm, Miss Dragon's Bane. Allow me to remind you: if you plan to enter a Non-Magic Zone, please wear this bracelet."

As he spoke, the inspector slightly shifted the identification he held, revealing a silver bracelet behind it.

Senior Cuique nodded, expressionless, took the bracelet and identification, stared at the bracelet for a moment, then lifted it toward the inspector and asked:

"What is this for?"

This question was merely part of playing the role of "Dragon's Bane"—in truth, she already knew, for it was an item that had existed for twenty years: the Magic Indicator Bracelet.

According to Luennore's regulations, when magical girls and magicians enter a Non-Magic Zone within the city, they must wear this bracelet. It partially suppresses the wearer's magic flow and blocks magic emission. If it detects spellcasting or the absence of the bracelet in a Non-Magic Zone, it triggers an alarm and summons the city's guard force.

Of course, if someone feels this bracelet infringes on their personal privacy, they may choose not to enter the Non-Magic Zone—so long as they remain outside it, no bracelet is required.

As for the concept of the "Non-Magic Zone," simply put, it is an administrative division of Luennore.

As one of the core metropolises of the Magic Realm and the seat of the Research Institute, one of the Five Power Agencies, Luennore constantly draws massive crowds.

Here are schools established by the Institute's faculty; scholars conducting research based on the local academic environment; magical girls and magicians coming to study; ordinary people whose livelihoods depend on this vast industrial complex; and tourists continuously arriving from across the realm and even the Material World... All manner of people gather here, making Luennore a vast city with a permanent population of millions and a floating population of tens of millions.

To accommodate this population of tens of millions, Luennore's urban structure is divided into four major districts: the Non-Magic Zone, the Academic Zone, the Emerald Zone, and the Jade Script Corridor.

The first and largest district by area: the Non-Magic Zone. As the name implies, most spellcasting is prohibited here, and magic emission is strictly restricted. Whether visitor or resident, magical girl or magician, all must abide by ordinary laws and may not use force arbitrarily.

This restriction exists because this district is also the primary residential and commercial area for ordinary people: homes, markets, large shops, inns, taverns... The vast majority of Luennoreans live, eat, and work here. Restricting magic is the best way to ensure the safety of these ordinary citizens.

The second district is the separately designated Academic Zone, housing many schools offering basic magical education, providing a formal platform for those with talent who wish to become magicians. According to certain anonymous statistical agencies, magicians who received formal education in Luennore perform spellcasting with an average efficiency more than double that of self-taught magicians.

Of course, these basic educational institutions alone are not why Luennore set aside an entire district—its independence stems primarily from two world-renowned schools:

First, Tigarol, the largest research-oriented institution in the entire Magic Realm. This school consistently produces the finest spell scholars and magical engineers for the realm and even the Material World; its top graduates sometimes enter the Research Institute as full members, even without being magical girls.

Second, Silver Corridor, the Magical Girl Training School, whose primary mission is to educate children born in the realm who were identified as magical girls before age ten. These children are sent here before their Awakening, undergoing three years of instruction and training to help them adapt to their magical girl identity and abilities.

These two schools are the true core of the Academic Zone—and its reason for existing as a separate district.

The third district: the Emerald Zone. Named after the Gem Scepter, its purpose is clear. Entirely built atop a floating island, it is a true residential area exclusively for magical girls, fairies, and magicians. Though its total area is modest compared to the Non-Magic Zone, it boasts exceptional scenery, natural beauty, and tranquility—perfect for leisure and vacation.

The fourth district: the Jade Script Corridor. Almost no public information exists about this area. The populace knows only that it is the seat of the Realm's Research Institute—and need know no more. All who have attempted to infiltrate it to "uncover state secrets" have never returned—or perhaps they returned long ago, unnoticed: those who went five years ago are now five years old.

Even magical girls may not enter the Research Institute unless their certification rank exceeds Flower Rank, or unless they are directly affiliated with the Research Institute. Ordinary magical girls approaching the Institute are politely turned back; those attempting to force entry are arrested and sent to the Investigation Bureau for interrogation. If any ties to external forces are detected, they may face severe criminal penalties. Thus, aside from a few reckless individuals, few dare risk it.

Thus, these four districts form the core of Luennore's urban structure, with education, research, shopping, and vacation serving as its defining keywords, composing the rhythm of city life.

—"So, we should head to the Emerald Zone first to find somewhere to stay?"

"Shouldn't we report to the Academic Zone first and prepare for the assessment?"

"I'm hungry..."

In the dimming light of the Non-Magic Zone, near the border checkpoint, before a map painted on a wooden board, Lin Xiaolu, Xia Liang, and several others were locked in heated debate.

After spending several minutes deciphering what the map showed, and another several minutes figuring out their destination, the three still disagreed on their next move.

With no resolution in sight, the next step was inevitably to seek authority—so Lin Xiaolu quickly approached Senior Cuique: "Cui... uh, Dragon's Bane! Where should we go next?"

This question instantly pulled Senior Cuique back from her daydreaming.

She blinked, shook her head to clear the scattered thoughts lingering in her mind, then said calmly: "Let's find accommodation first. It's getting late, and moving with all this luggage is inconvenient. Reporting can wait a few days."

"Yay!"

Lin Xiaolu jumped up in place, turned back to Xia Liang with a smug grin: "What are you staring at? Aren't we leaving? Don't you want to see what the homeland you've dreamed of is really like? Is it fairy tales and castles, steam and Gao Ta, or cake carpets with chocolate rivers... Ah, Magic Realm, my long-lost homeland..."

Lin Xiaolu was lost in her own reverie, but Xia Liang ignored her completely, still fiddling with the wooden map.

Feeling ignored, Lin Xiaolu deflated slightly, but with Senior Cuique nearby, she dared not act rudely—so she sulked back to the two and peered at the map: "What else is on here?"

"Scan to view full map content."

Xia Liang didn't look at her, only pointed to a small icon on the edge of the wooden board.

"Scan... Huh? What's that?"

Lin Xiaolu froze, then exclaimed incredulously: "Are you joking? Can this place even connect to the internet?"

"... I just tried. It's connected."

Xia Liang chuckled, turned back, and waved his phone screen: "Full signal."

Lin Xiaolu was speechless.

She pulled out her phone, unlocked the screen, and stared at the blinking signal bars above.

After a long silence, she raised her head blankly and looked again at Senior Cuique.

"Of course there's signal."

Senior Cuique found their overreaction utterly baffling: "This is the Magic Realm, not a wasteland."

"But... isn't this the 'Magic' Realm? Shouldn't people use more fantastical communication tools—like messenger owls or talking snail telephones..."

Lin Xiaolu ventured hesitantly, gesturing weakly: "And I remember magical girls can communicate using magic mirrors?"

"Using a magic mirror requires magic. A phone does not."

Senior Cuique pointed to Lin Xiaolu's phone: "Besides, the Material World's communication networks were built using technology provided by the Realm. It makes no sense for the Realm to use its own technology abroad but not at home."

"Ah, really?"

Beside her, Xia Liang had already swiftly accepted reality and opened the map app on her phone: "Amazing—you can open it directly using a material-world app? Not only can you zoom the map, but you can even check transportation routes..."

Lin Xiaolu silently covered her ears.

But Xia Liang didn't stop; she continued enthusiastically scrolling through her phone: "Oh? This map can zoom out to show the entire Magic in the midst? Not just Luennore, but even Domilia, a bit farther away, shows up too..."

"Stop talking! Don't destroy my image of the Magic in the midst!"

Lin Xiaolu crouched down: "This isn't at all like what's shown on TV! My imagined Magic in the midst isn't like this!"

"Don't be so rigid. Look, there's an ad here—for the Fairy Ancient Forest we talked about going to last few days. Online group purchase for park tickets is 10% off..." Seeing Lin Xiaolu's resistance, Xia Liang's expression turned sly. She stepped two paces closer, holding her phone toward Lin Xiaolu.

"Take it away! Take it off my face!" Lin Xiaolu stepped back repeatedly.

"And this—Net-famous Fairy-handcrafted Pure Fruit Tea. Check-in at the flagship store, post a photo, and get the second cup half-price. It's only three hundred meters away..."

"I don't want to hear it! Shut up!"

The two moved forward and back, one urging, one refusing—until finally, Xia Liang was chasing Lin Xiaolu as she ran. Fortunately, Senior Cuique called out in time, bringing the two who were about to vanish from sight back.

"Enough. Since everything's confirmed, let's go."

Senior Cuique, holding the arm of Bai Jingxuan, whose stomach had made her frown in misery, called to them: "The car we booked online has arrived. The driver is waiting outside—he says we'll be charged extra if we're late... Hmm, what's wrong with Bai Mei?"

"Nothing."

Xia Liang supported Lin Xiaolu, who had collapsed to the ground upon hearing "booked car" and "extra charge for delay": "Maybe she's just overexcited and exhausted?"

"Really?"

Senior Cuique tilted her head slightly but didn't dwell on it: "Then let's help her onto the car. But Bai Mei, you should pay attention too—being excited when traveling somewhere new is fine, but you must plan your energy better."

"... Yes."

Lin Xiaolu's reply was as stiff and frozen as a fish dug from an ancient Bingshan.