My Magical Girl System

Chapter 66: Between Glitter and Shadow

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 His black blazer was tailored perfectly, and his usual tie had been replaced by a sleek silver clip that matched the inventory ring on his finger.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.

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 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."

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

Sein’s cheeks flushed slightly, but her voice remained flat. "That’s because Andrey wouldn’t let me go. He kept saying ’just a few more minutes’ and then—"

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

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.

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

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

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

He tried again. Same result.

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

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 shimmering silver gown with a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination, clung to every curve. The fabric was almost liquid, shifting with her movements. She laughed at something one of her companions said, her crystal sword nowhere in sight, replaced by confidence and an aura of effortless elegance.

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.

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

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

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

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

Sein shrugged, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp. "Things change. Andrey offered me a place. I took it."

Andrey met Hope’s gaze steadily. "Sein is part of our team now. She’s proven herself."

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

Hope nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on Sein for a moment 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."

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

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

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

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 blame."

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

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

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