Off Work, Then I Become a Magical Girl
Book 2: Chapter 104: Boundary Gate

Vol 2 Chapter 104: Boundary Gate

The next day, in the afternoon. The weather was clear.

After a night of rest, most of the passengers had recovered their energy. They left their cabins in small groups, wandering around the massive train. The sightseeing carriage—open to all and capable of accommodating a large crowd—naturally became the hottest spot.

As the train left human settlements across the various provinces, crossing the Wasteland and breaching the edge of the known map, the previously monotonous scenery finally began to shift.

"Wow—look at those huge waves! So beautiful!"

Pressing her face against the sightseeing carriage window, Lin Xiaolu couldn’t help but exclaim at the sight of the blue sea and sky outside.

Beside her, Xia Liang and Bai Jingxuan were also squeezed up against the glass—one busily snapping photos, the other gazing intently at the horizon. Clearly, they were just as immersed in the rare view.

The reason they’d all gathered here was because Veronica had told them at lunch that they’d better check out the sightseeing carriage for the last leg of the journey. Only when they arrived did they understand why—just like Lin Xiaolu had shouted out moments ago, the train was currently traveling across a vast sea.

To most people in the Material World, the ocean was something seen only on TV or the internet. The vast majority of cities were never built near the sea. Compared to the Wasteland, the ocean harbored just as many mysterious threats, if not more. A city adjacent to both the sea and the Wasteland would require an extremely robust defense system. On top of that, the sea made it nearly impossible to construct long-term defensive transit routes, meaning it couldn’t be used for intercity transport. Naturally, there was little point in building coastal cities. Over time, the very concept of the “sea” became remote and unfamiliar to the average person.

Now, not only could the passengers enjoy a close-up view of the ocean, but the train was actually gliding across the water itself. It was no wonder the girls were so thrilled.

The semi-transparent track hovered just above the waves, barely visible beneath the spray, as if made from crystal. Under the sunlight, it refracted a rainbow of colors. At regular intervals, drainage channels expelled excess seawater, colliding with the waves and sending up sparkling droplets—like diamonds scattered across the surface.

The water was so clear it felt like a dream. Fish could be seen swimming beneath the track, gathering and dispersing, chasing the train’s shadow as it passed.

Inside the carriage was a sea of colorful flowers; outside, azure sky, white clouds, and an ocean so clear it seemed almost teal, scattered with golden glimmers. The breathtaking view left passengers marveling nonstop, the sound of shutters clicking filling the carriage.

Veronica stood behind a few juniors, silently taking in the scene. The ocean sparkled in her sapphire eyes. The breeze from outside tugged at her scarf, and she casually threw the excess length over her shoulder, exhaling a quiet breath.

Even though she’d seen it before, such an extraordinary view never failed to lift her spirits.

[Next stop: Luennore. Next stop: Luennore. Passengers disembarking, please check your personal belongings…]

The announcement rang out just in time, delivered in a fairy’s heavily accented voice, snapping many passengers out of their awe-struck reverie.

While routes in the Material World were fixed, once the train entered the Kingdom, the Kingdom Express would branch off. Most common routes entered from one of the Five Grand Cities and then continued to others.

Around this time of year, due to the Kingdom’s Certification Test, the rail operators would adjust routes to pass by test locations. This year, that meant a significant increase in trains entering the Kingdom through Luennore.

“Junior, let’s take a group photo before we get off?”

As they neared the stop, many passengers chose this moment for commemorative pictures. Naturally, the juniors from Fangting City didn’t want to miss out. After a quick discussion, Lin Xiaolu went to ask someone to take their photo, while Xia Liang picked the location and angle.

Veronica didn’t object when summoned. She let Xia Liang pull her and Bai Jingxuan around while choosing a good spot, and in the end, they settled on the center of the carriage.

Following Xia Liang’s instructions, they sat side by side on a long bench. The camera was positioned at a 45-degree angle from the side to capture both the carriage interior and the view outside. Veronica, being closest to the camera, leaned back against the bench, while Xia Liang, farthest from the lens, leaned forward so that all four would fit in the frame. After everyone posed with their favorite hand gestures, the shot was complete.

Just as the photo was taken, the train arrived at the station.

A few minutes later, they were off the train, dragging their luggage behind them.

“Ugh, seriously, Junior, we all made cute gestures—why were you the only one just sitting there like a stump?”

Dragging a massive suitcase in one hand and flipping through photos on her phone with the other, Xia Liang complained when she saw Veronica stiffly sitting in the photo while everyone else had struck a pose. “It could’ve been way cuter!”

“Is that so.”

Veronica replied absentmindedly, glancing around the platform. “That’s a shame.”

“Right? Totally a shame! So next time, when we’re in the Kingdom and taking more pics—”

Xia Liang bantered playfully while following behind Veronica. But when she caught sight of their surroundings, her voice noticeably slowed:

“…We should stick with the group.”

She gulped audibly, momentarily forgetting whatever she’d meant to say.

“Whoa, what is this?!”

Lin Xiaolu, right behind her, gasped at the sight in front of her.

“So grand…”

Bai Jingxuan, last in line, let out a quiet murmur of awe.

The platform was entirely built above the sea, a pure white expanse that looked like a lone island surrounded by endless ocean.

Behind this island-like station, a narrow path stretched out toward the sea. At the end of the path stood a single, enormous gate—dozens of meters tall by rough estimate. Just standing there, it emanated a silent, invisible pressure.

Below it was water, above it sky. There were no buildings, no passageways—nothing but a solitary door. Its stark presence made it feel all the more surreal.

“That gate is the link between the Material World and the Magic Kingdom. We call it the Gate of Realms.”

Seeing their gazes fixed ahead, Veronica took the chance to explain. “There are only five of these in the entire Material World. Each leads to a different Grand City. They’re made with special materials that cause fear and awe in whoever sees them, deterring impulsive action.”

Her words left the juniors with mixed expressions—some thoughtful, some confused. But Veronica didn’t elaborate. She simply pulled her suitcase forward: “No need to overthink it. Just follow me.”

The others finally snapped out of their daze and followed her across the vast white platform and onto the white stone path leading to the gate.

Though called a “path,” it was only small in comparison to the towering gate. In truth, it was five or six meters wide—broad enough for ten people to walk shoulder-to-shoulder. Passengers from the train moved in small clusters, all instinctively lowering their voices as if afraid to disturb something.

“From this point on, my alias is ‘Gentian.’ Do not call me anything else.”

Veronica whispered. “Especially you, White Rose. It was fine on the train, but not here. The mission I’m on is important—one slip from you could ruin everything.”

Lin Xiaolu covered her mouth and nodded awkwardly.

“When passing through the Gate of Realms, try not to make eye contact with the guards. If you do, don’t talk to them. And if you must speak, keep it brief. Don’t draw attention.”

Veronica continued giving instructions as she walked. “If they stop you, it’ll usually be for a baggage check or identity verification. Just cooperate. Don’t ask questions. Stay calm.”

“Sounds like one of those ghost stories with rules,” Xia Liang whistled.

“Ghost story?” Veronica glanced back.

“Uh… Just a kind of urban legend among younger folks. You know—‘Break the rules, and something bad happens,’ that kind of thing.” Xia Liang gave a sheepish laugh.

“…If you treat what I said as rules, that’d be perfect. I wasn’t joking.”

Ignoring the unfamiliar term, Veronica looked forward again. “Once we get a little closer, you should transform. Passing through as Magical Girls saves us some trouble.”

“Is that okay? There are still plenty of other passengers... some not even Magical Girls.”

Lin Xiaolu pointed around.

“Can you see their faces?” Veronica asked.

“Faces? I didn’t really check, but now that I look… I can’t?”

Lin Xiaolu blinked, looked around again, and instinctively started to raise her voice—but then lowered it. “Why?”

“Because we’re not the only Magical Girls here.”

Veronica kept walking. “We’re not the only ones who don’t want their transformed and untransformed identities connected.”

“That… actually makes sense. But when did it happen?”

Lin Xiaolu raised a brow. “I swear things weren’t like this when we got off the train…”

Veronica pointed ahead.

Right at the Gate of Realms.

“Get ready. Time to transform.”

She pulled out the imitation gem of “Gentian,” murmured a spell, and was soon wrapped in blue magic. Moments later, the glow faded—her outfit had completely changed.

The others followed her lead, finishing their own transformations just before reaching the gate.

Up close, the Gate of Realms was even more imposing. Its surface was bare, rough like weathered marble, with pockmarks from age. Unlike the Magic Kingdom’s obsession with Favor Runes—where even the soles of their shoes might be etched—this gate was stunningly plain.

Standing dead center beneath the gate were the “guards” Veronica had mentioned: a pair of well-dressed, golden-haired twins, both smiling politely as they welcomed the travelers.

One had long hair and a sharper demeanor, while the other had short hair and a gentler aura. Their faces were androgynous, their builds average, making it impossible to guess their gender.

But in the end, none of that really mattered.

Most striking of all were the long, whisker-like antennae atop their heads, and the transparent, cicada-like wings on their backs that refracted dazzling rainbow hues.

Were those decorations? Or some kind of spell?

Lin Xiaolu was filled with curiosity, but she kept Veronica’s warning in mind and shut her mouth tight, saying nothing.

“Honored travelers, welcome to the Gate of Realms,” said the twin standing on the left.

“Please maintain order, form a line, no pushing, and proceed in turn,” the twin on the right followed up.

With that, they both fell silent again—no further words or movements.

No need to actually open the gate?

Just as Lin Xiaolu was wondering, the question was immediately answered by the actions of the Magical Girl leading the line. The girl simply stepped forward, pressed her palm against the gate—and vanished in a flash of light as she passed through it.

The process was so simple it needed no explanation. Just watching it once was enough to understand how it worked. Regardless of whether it was their first time or not, the other passengers mimicked her actions and passed through the gate in the same manner.

The twin guards remained as still as statues throughout, making no effort to interfere.

The line steadily moved forward until Veronica’s group stood before the gate.

Without saying anything, Veronica gestured for her juniors to go ahead, taking up the rear herself.

Lin Xiaolu, at the front, didn’t overthink it. She walked up to the gate with slightly stiff movements caused by nerves, placed her hand on it, and disappeared in a flash.

Next was Xia Liang. Though she appeared more relaxed than Lin Xiaolu, she had none of her usual playfulness—walking up with a mild, well-behaved expression, placing her hand on the gate, and vanishing just as easily.

Third was Bai Jingxuan. Unlike the first two, her nerves were clearly visible. She had barely taken three steps before glancing back at Veronica—twice. Veronica could only return a steady gaze, silently signaling her to stay calm. There wasn’t much else she could do.

After all, they both knew what Bai Jingxuan was worried about. Unlike Lin Xiaolu and Xia Liang, who had nothing to hide, Bai Jingxuan carried actual Ravager magic within her. If the guards noticed anything, things could get complicated very quickly.

That pressure made it all the harder for Bai Jingxuan to control herself. Despite trying her best to calm down, her legs still felt weak. She had to silently psyche herself up and, as Veronica instructed, approach the gate with the calmest demeanor she could manage.

Then, she reached out to place her hand on the gate—

“One moment, please.”

One of the twins suddenly spoke up.

“We’re very sorry, traveler. Would you mind sparing a moment for a quick routine inspection?”

Bai Jingxuan froze, her hand hanging in midair.

What now?

That was the only thought in her mind. Her brain seized up in panic, leaving her completely blank.

She remembered Veronica saying that if the guards made any requests, they should cooperate and stay calm. But if she really let them inspect her… what if they found something?

Everyone else passed without issue, and now she was suddenly being singled out? There’s no way that was just a coincidence. These guards must have sensed something off.

Still, Bai Jingxuan knew she couldn’t hesitate for too long—hesitation would only make her seem more suspicious. So she forced herself to lift her head, ready to respond—

“She’s with me.”

Veronica’s voice cut in from behind.

Both guards turned their attention to her. One of them replied, “Our apologies, traveler. Even if you’re together, we ask that you not interfere with official procedures. Please wait at your place—we’ll resolve this shortly...”

“Sorry, but we’re in a hurry.”

Unfazed, Veronica stepped forward and handed over a document she had prepared in advance. “Please make an exception.”

The twins exchanged a look. One of them took the document, examined it carefully, verified its authenticity, then nodded again at their partner.

“Proceed.”

This time, they didn’t stop them. Bai Jingxuan was allowed to pass.

Veronica retrieved the document, gave the guards a polite nod, and followed her through the gate.

There wasn’t much to say about the document itself—just a mission permit issued under Emerald’s special authority. It detailed how Veronica had assigned the Fangting City Magical Girls to transport certain experimental materials for her. It listed personnel, specifications, and metrics, complete with official seals and a proper document number. As far as formality went, it was a real document.

Knowing Bai Jingxuan’s special condition might raise flags along the way, Veronica and Emerald had prepared a full set of “real” paperwork in advance. Not just for Bai Jingxuan, but also for Lin Xiaolu’s unusual Magical Armor. Veronica had even prepped backup documentation for Xia Liang—who, in theory, had no issues at all—just in case of unexpected scrutiny.

This mountain of documentation and layers of contingencies were why Veronica had been so meticulous about checking her luggage before departure. In fact, so much effort had gone into preparing the paperwork that she didn’t even have time to read every detail herself. She could only trust Emerald and her “friends” to handle it properly—and that’s how she ended up getting tricked on the age listed on the test ID.

Without hesitation, Veronica stepped through the Gate.

What lay ahead was a dimly lit corridor.

Darkness filled the area beyond, with visibility limited to the narrow strip lit by overhead lights. The surrounding void remained pitch black—no one could tell what was out there.

This was the “Realm Bridge” Veronica had mentioned earlier.

As the name suggested, the Realm Bridge was a bridge between the Material World and the Magic Kingdom. Its purpose wasn’t just to physically connect the two realms, but to provide a period of adjustment. It eased the transition for travelers and prevented rejection reactions from crossing worlds.

This was especially crucial for ordinary people who moved between the Kingdom and the Material World, or for Magicians with less mastery over their magic. Without the Realm Bridge’s buffering effect, they might experience severe physical issues—possibly even magic-induced organ failure.

In extreme cases, parts of their bodies could permanently convert into magic, resulting in irreversible damage.

Of course, Magical Girls didn’t face these problems. The minor difference between worlds barely affected them. To them, the Realm Bridge was just the formal process of crossing properly.

Veronica had no intention of lingering here. She took a deep breath and wheeled her suitcase forward.

Her footsteps rippled across the darkness, shadows flowing silently at her heels. Alone, she walked forward through the void, heading for the only visible exit.

“Don’t come back.”

A voice seemed to murmur from the darkness.

A whisper, as if right beside her ear… or an echo from miles away. It made her question whether she’d heard anything at all.

Don’t come back.

Shadows danced across the corridor in broken fragments beneath the dim yellow light—shattered, reassembled, forming letters like jagged tears.

Don’t come back.

The chaotic whispers swelled into a buzz deep in her thoughts. Old memories rose uncontrollably, surfacing like murky bubbles from the depths, dragging ancient emotions with them.

“Don’t come back.”

【Don’t come back】.

Don’t come back.

The voices from the dark grew louder, until they became a deafening roar. The twisted shadow-letters grew thicker, covering the exit entirely. Memories blurred into noise, the corridor into a mire, and a crushing weight dragged at Veronica, pulling her under.

But Veronica didn’t flinch.

She just kept walking. Always forward.

Even when the noise turned into a piercing scream, the words became layers of seals, and her thoughts chained her like shackles—her pace never slowed.

Tearing through the tangled shadow-letters with both hands, she placed them firmly on the door at the end of the corridor.

This was the final gate before entering the Kingdom.

“I’m back.”

She said it without emotion.

Then, with a hard shove, she opened the door and walked through—without looking back.