"This is troublesome..."
Lux's (Raiden Ei's) eyes narrowed sharply as she took in the location of their battle. Tall buildings surrounded the area, and a few civilians were still running for shelter.
She could have finished off all three Rank S Assassins in an instant with her full power. But the destruction that would follow was bound to cause chaos on an enormous scale.
"Go, evacuate anyone still around here," she said without so much as glancing at Emil.
"B-but those threeโ"
"I'm not asking." Lux's (Raiden Ei's) voice cut in sharply. The air around her began to tremble as faint electro energy wrapped around her body. "This is an order."
"I..." Emil looked at her, hesitant.
Guilt gripped his chest. He knew he was the main target of these three Assassins.
But here, he was nothing but a liability, putting Lux (Raiden Ei) in danger.
'I really am useless...'
"How pathetic."
"Eh?" Emil flinched.
"That look on your face..." Lux (Raiden Ei) turned, her electric purple eyes cold. "As if I'm some weak girl who needs protecting. I despise that look."
Her voice flowed like frozen poison. "Just as I thought, we're not compatible. It's ridiculous that you'd want to marry me with a mentality like that."
Emil's body trembled beneath that lethal gaze.
For anything in the world, he would have rather faced three Rank S Assassins than receive that cold look from the woman he loved.
"F-fine, I'll go evacuate the people," he finally said, his voice shaking. "Wait, I'll call for reinforcements!"
"...I don't need reinforcements from you or anyone else." Lux (Raiden Ei) turned her body away, her long purple hair swaying gently despite there being no wind at all.
"Just protect the people."
Emil's steps paused for a moment, his eyes lingering on Lux's (Raiden Ei's) slender back as she prepared to face three human-shaped killers alone. With a heavy heart, he continued on his way.
"You think I'll just let you walk away?!" One of the Assassins, his eyes glowing red, shot forward with terrifying speed, a sharp shadow claw aimed straight at Emil's back.
๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐!
A rapid volley of purple lightning struck the Assassin's body, hurling him back into his two companions. The marble floor cracked and shattered as his body landed with a heavy thud.
"Your opponent is me, all three of you."
At that moment, electro energy began glowing more intensely, gathering in Lux's (Raiden Ei's) right hand, forming a spear as tall as she was.
Blinding purple light accompanied the formation of that legendary weapon.
The spear wasn't merely beautiful, it was the manifestation of a god's power.
Its curved blade was etched with engravings that glowed with pure electro energy. Its dominant dark purple color seemed to absorb the light around it, a perfect contrast to Lux's (Raiden Ei's) elegant yet deadly appearance.
Engulfing Lightning โ a naginata, one of Raiden Ei's exclusive weapons.
The three Rank S Assassins froze for a moment before their eyes filled with unbridled greed.
"We didn't expect," one of them licked his lips, "that besides being stunningly beautiful, you'd also carry such an expensive weapon!"
At a single glance, they knew the spear in Lux's (Raiden Ei's) hand was no ordinary weapon.
The tremendous aura radiating from it could only mean one thing โ a Divine Weapon!
Suddenly, Emil no longer held their attention. The woman before them was worth far more.
They had to have this woman!
The three Assassins exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.
The next instant, their bodies seemed to merge with the darkness, transforming into shadows that shot in from every direction!
But in Lux's (Raiden Ei's) vision, she could see it all clearly...
Hundreds of deadly shadow claws attacking from every angle, moving at a speed even a Rank A Hunter's eyes couldn't follow!
Electro exploded from her body, forming a dome of purple energy that made the air tremble. Without hesitation, Lux (Raiden Ei) swung Engulfing Lightning in a single motion!
๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐...!!! ๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐...!!!
Even though Lux (Raiden Ei) tried to hold back the full output of her attack, the impact remained terrifying.
A single swing of her spear split a three-story building in the distance clean in half, as if cutting paper, sending dust and debris scattering in every direction!
"Hahaha! Interesting! We didn't expect you to be this strong!" One of the Assassins' laughter echoed, though their eyes betrayed deep shock.
Their shadow claws โ a technique capable of tearing through a Rank A Hunter's armor โ vanished like mist swept away by sunlight, all with just one movement from Lux (Raiden Ei).
Since when did a Hunter this powerful exist in such a remote city?
"But to defeat all three of us," hissed the Assassin who appeared to be their leader, "that's still far from enough!"
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!! ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!! ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐...!!
A black aura exploded from the three Assassins' bodies, creating a wave of pressure that made the air feel as heavy as lead. The ground trembled, and buildings began to crack.
The true power of Rank S Assassins was now fully unleashed!
Lux's (Raiden Ei's) expression didn't change.
Her purple eyes stared flatly, as if facing three children at play.
She gripped Engulfing Lightning tighter, electro energy crackling along the length of the spear's blade.
"Come," she said calmly, as if inviting children to play.
๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐...!!
At that same moment, the city's alarms began blaring loudly from every direction.
[๐ช๐๐ฅ๐ก๐๐ก๐!! ๐ช๐๐ฅ๐ก๐๐ก๐!! ๐ช๐๐ฅ๐ก๐๐ก๐!!]
[๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐จ๐ก๐๐ก๐ข๐ช๐ก ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐!!! ๐๐ก ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ก ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ ๐จ๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐ช๐๐ฌ!!]
[๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐จ๐๐ง๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ฌ!!]
"Damn it, now what?! A Rank SS+ Hunter was just born, and now there's a warning about the city being attacked?!"
"Is this city lucky or actually cursed?!"
Ordinary citizens ran about in a panic, while low-rank Hunters and military forces began moving systematically!
Hunters used their respective Talents to assist with the evacuation, patiently guiding civilians toward the designated safe zones.
Meanwhile, the military deployed its entire arsenal โ firearms, tanks, helicopters, drones, and even fighter jets. Though nowhere near a match for a Rank S Hunter's strength, all that equipment had been reinforced with magic. Even a Rank S Hunter would get hurt from a sustained barrage.
But the moment that combat fleet flew toward the location, the expressions of every soldier changed drastically.
Only a few minutes had passed since the first warning, yet within a one-kilometer radius, all that could be seen was a sea of rubble. Buildings that had once stood tall were now flattened to the ground.
"Shit! What kind of monster is attacking our city?!" The squad leader stared in horror at the scene below.
Thankfully, the civilians had already been evacuated. Otherwise, who knew how many casualties there would have been.
"Captain! Combat energy fluctuations detected in the western sector!"
"What are we waiting for? Move out now!" the leader shouted, but his gaze suddenly landed on a group of human silhouettes below.
His eyes narrowed, trying to make out who they were. The moment he recognized one of the figures, his eyes widened.
"Stop! Stop! Approach that group! They're civilians! Their safety is priority!"
Amid the crowd, he spotted a familiar young man โ Emil, who had just finished his evacuation mission.
At first, it had been difficult to calm the terrified residents, but thanks to his background, Emil had managed to reassure them.
Fortunately, the evacuation finished just before the massive battle began. The civilians who had witnessed the destruction from a distance thanked him with tears streaming down their faces.
Emil merely stood in silence, hearing their gratitude. His eyes stared into the distance, his heart heavy with gripping worry.
The sound of helicopter blades echoed overhead, making the civilians look up with hope.
"W-we're finally safe! That's the military!"
Emil rushed toward the squad leader who had just landed. "Can you send help for my acquaintance? She's facing three Rank S Assassins alone!"
The squad leader looked relieved to see Emil safe, but his expression turned pale upon hearing about the three Rank S Assassins.
"Forgive me, Young Master Emil, but I'm afraid that's not possible..." His voice trailed off weakly.
Even though their weapons could injure a Rank S Hunter, fighting three Rank S opponents at once was far too risky. Their forces would be slaughtered without a trace!
"What do you mean?!" Emil grabbed the squad leader's collar. "Aren't you the military?! Youโ"
"Please, don't joke with us, Young Master." The squad leader gently but firmly pried Emil's grip loose. "We're far too weak compared to them. Going there would be suicide."
Weak.
That word echoed in Emil's mind, making his teeth grind and his fists clench so tight his knuckles turned white.
"Iโ"
"DANGER! Captain, we need to leave now! Sensors are detecting a massive energy spike about to explode and kill us all!"
"What?!" The squad leader flinched, then shouted, "Fall back! All units, retreat! Prioritize civilian evacuation without casualties!"
Before that order could even be carried out, the sound of a massive explosion accompanied by violent tremors shook the entire area!
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!!!
"RUN! RUN!!"
"MOVE! DON'T BLOCK MY WAY!"
"I DON'T WANT TO DIE! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!"
"SAVE US!"
Watching the mass panic, the squad leader couldn't stop himself from cursing inwardly!
No wonder the empire didn't care much about this city โ the quality of its people was no better than a mob thinking only of themselves!
"Young Master Emil, for your safety, please stay with uโ"
"Young Master! Please, save my child! He's still trapped in there!"
A woman, drenched in tears, dropped to her knees before Emil, pointing toward the battle zone.
The squad leader's face hardened. "Fool! It's your own fault for not keeping track of your child! Don't drag the Young Master into this!"
He tried to pull Emil away. Compared to the life of some other civilian, Emil's safety was far more precious!
But he was shocked to find Emil not budging an inch.
"Young Master...?" A terrible premonition suddenly filled his heart.
"I-I'm sorry, but..." Emil stared straight ahead at the blazing fire and flashes of purple in the distance. "I can't ignore the fact that a child's life is in danger, when I have the power to save them!"
Without hesitation, Emil ran straight through the panicking crowd, heading toward the battle zone!
The squad leader tried to stop him, but unfortunately, he was just an ordinary soldier with no special Talent, unable to possibly keep pace with a Hunter's speed.
"Damn it!" His expression darkened. "Follow the Young Master! We have to protect him!"
"B-but Captain, we'll be in danger tooโ"
"You think we have time to worry about that?!" His eyes blazed with fury. "If the Young Master from the Falcon Family dies in our city, the consequences will be unimaginable! This entire city will be leveled! Stop hesitating, bring the troops!"
"Y-yes, Captain!"
The soldier scrambled to mobilize every remaining unit.
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐๐...!!!
At that exact moment, a tremendous purple lightning bolt split the sky, so powerful it created a shockwave felt all the way to where they stood!
A blinding light momentarily blinded everyone.
"FUCK!"
A scream full of agony echoed from the distance, followed by a chilling cold, as if death itself had just passed close by them.
***
"...Are you hurt?"
That voice โ melodious yet cold โ slipped into the ears of an eight-year-old boy who was still trembling and sobbing.
He caught a distinctive scent filling his senses, pulling his wavering consciousness back into focus.
Slowly, the boy opened his eyes and froze.
Before him, a woman of extraordinary beauty was carrying him.
The boy was stunned, unable to say a word.
Her long purple hair cascaded like a waterfall, her eyes gleamed with a mysterious calm, and the faint beauty mark near her right eye only accentuated the perfection of her face.
Without a doubt... this woman surpassed anyone he had ever seen. Even the girl he'd admired for so long paled in comparison to the figure before him.
A wild thought crossed his mind.
Could it be... she was a goddess descended from the heavens to save him?
"Can you stand and walk?" the woman asked, her voice calm.
The boy's face flushed as the woman's breath โ fragrant like petrichor after rain โ brushed across his face.
"I-I can..." he answered, stammering.
"Good." A faint sense of relief showed on her beautiful face. "Then leave this place at once. You can do that, can't you?"
"I-I can... B-but what about you, big sister?"
"Me?" The woman answered with an almost unnatural calm. "I still have matters to settle here."
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!!
A tremendous explosion shook the ground and the air.
The boy jumped in fright, his eyes widening with terror.
"Go," the woman said, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable command.
The boy hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering between the woman and his escape route.
At last, with a heavy heart and a prayer slipping from his lips, he ran off, leaving the place behind.
Lux โ or Raiden Ei, in her old life โ merely glanced briefly at the small figure retreating before turning her gaze back to the source of the explosion.
The Chakra Desiderata behind her shone brightly, radiating dancing flashes of purple light.
Her grip on Engulfing Lightning tightened, her treasured naginata glowing with wildly flowing electro energy.
That was whenโ
Two black shadows shot toward her with terrifying speed!
๐๐๐๐๐๐...!! ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐....!!
Purple lightning and black shadow collided in a tremendous crash.
Lux (Raiden Ei) floated gracefully in the air, spinning her naginata in a deadly motion that birthed a terrifying purple vortex.
From the right and left, two shadows struck with claws and daggers.
The clash of metal was deafening as their weapons met, but the outcome was clear โ both shadows were sent flying hard backward.
At the same moment, a roar like a dragon's thundered, splitting the sky with its ferocity.
Lux (Raiden Ei) frowned slightly, but her expression remained calm.
Indifferently, she gathered more Electro energy and swung Engulfing Lightning in a wide arc.
A black shadow dragon formed before her, but under the force of Lux's devastating assault, the creature was forced back into a defensive stance.
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐....!!
A massive crack split the sky, tearing through the atmosphere within a 300-meter radius. The terrifying sight was clearly visible from various parts of the city!
"We underestimated you, woman."
A shadowy figure writhed atop the shadow dragon's head โ the Rank S Assassin, now looking utterly pathetic.
A gaping wound stretched from his neck to his chest, stitched together with shadow threads that moved like living creatures. If not for that shadow binding, his blood would have already drained out completely.
"We didn't expect you to be this strong," he hissed with deep hatred. "And now you've managed to anger us. You will die right now!"
Dense killing intent radiated from his gaze, as it did from the other two Assassins as well.
Though not as severely wounded as their companion who had formed the shadow dragon, the injuries on their bodies were serious enough to show just how devastating Lux's (Raiden Ei's) earlier attacks had been.
At first, they'd wanted to take the woman captive โ finding beauty on that level was exceedingly rare โ but after feeling the threat she posed, they knew there was only one choice left: kill her!
Their lives were worth far more than a moment's pleasure.
Without warning, an attack shaped like a giant claw shot toward Lux (Raiden Ei). The claw destroyed everything in its path, leaving nothing but emptiness and ruin behind.
But Lux (Raiden Ei) needed only a single burst of Electro to shatter it into nothingness!
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!! ๐๐๐๐๐๐...!!
Both Assassins transformed into shadows, moving as fast as sound.
Lux didn't stay idle; her body transformed into a bolt of purple lightning as her lips spoke a single, brief word,
"<<๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ค>>"
๐๐๐ผ๐๐!! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐!!
A fierce battle unfolded in the sky. Every attack, every slash, every clash of weapons created waves of destruction spreading in every direction!
Purple lightning and black shadow collided endlessly, shifting positions at a speed no ordinary eye could follow.
Every time they paused, a massive explosion erupted, followed by the marks of a lethal slash โ a fusion of purple electricity and black shadow.
Building after building fell victim, asphalt roads were torn from their foundations, creating a terrifying landscape of destruction.
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!!!
Three shadows were sent flying hard, their bodies spinning out of control before slamming into the ground with tremendous force!
Lux (Raiden Ei) floated gracefully in the sky, her naginata spinning beautifully as Electro energy gathered once more in Engulfing Lightning.
The Chakra Desiderata behind her radiated an even more intense flash, thenโ
A volley of purple lightning struck the two Assassins who hadn't managed to dodge in time.
๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐!!
The attack was brutal and merciless, scorching everything it touched. The air filled with the smell of burning and ozone, as purple electricity continued to shock its victims.
Raiden Ei's skill in wielding various weapons was truly extraordinary.
Though her sword was her primary weapon, her mastery of the spear was no less impressive. In the past, she had slaughtered thousands of soldiers with her spear in one legendary battle.
The only weapon Raiden Ei had never mastered was, of course, a kitchen knife...
๐๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐...!!
"Hm?"
The dragon's roar drew Lux's (Raiden Ei's) attention.
Her eyes narrowed as she saw dense black energy beginning to gather in front of the creature's mouth โ power enough to level half the city in an instant.
With a light exhale, Lux (Raiden Ei) channeled more Electro into Engulfing Lightning. The Chakra Desiderata pulsed stronger, radiating energy that made the surrounding air tremble.
"๐๐๐๐๐๐...!!!"
A breath full of shadow burst from the dragon's mouth, a destructive force ready to annihilate everything it touched.
At the same moment, Lux (Raiden Ei) was already prepared with her own attack.
"...Release."
Purple lightning struck with unstoppable force, roaring like an ancient beast in fury. The energy within it was so immense it scorched the surrounding area in an instant!
๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐๐....!!!
An explosion like a nuclear detonation lit up the sky, a giant mushroom cloud billowing upward.
Residents watching from a distance curled up in fear, hoping to escape the shockwave that followed.
Even from a safe distance, the force of the wind from that explosion was enough to toss an adult like a dry leaf.
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐..!!
The once-clear sky instantly turned overcast. Thunder rumbled endlessly, as if the sky itself was furious at the destruction below!
๐๐ช๐ฌ... ๐๐ช๐ฌ... ๐๐ช๐ฌ...
At first it was just drizzle, but it quickly turned into a merciless downpour. Blue lightning crisscrossed the sky, creating a sight both breathtaking and terrifying.
Amid that chaos, Lux (Raiden Ei) stood tall, calm as the eye of the storm.
She paid no mind to the rain soaking her body. After all, water was the perfect conductor for her power.
Her eyes stared coldly at the scene before her.
"I thought the three of you might actually push me," she said calmly. "But it seems my expectations of you were too high."
The three Assassins lay sprawled on the ground with grievous wounds. Black blood pooled around them, flowing endlessly from the fatal injuries on their bodies. Without immediate aid, death was certain for all of them.
One of them coughed, black blood spraying from his mouth.
"Damn it... we never expected there to be a Rank SS+ Hunter in this city..."
Having felt Lux's (Raiden Ei's) power firsthand, they were now certain this woman wasn't just an ordinary Rank S Hunter.
Not many Hunters could defeat them without significant difficulty.
Only a Rank SS or SS+ Hunter could manage that. At the very least, a Rank SS Hunter would have suffered injuries, but this woman didn't even have a speck of dust on her clothes, as if the intense battle that had just occurred were merely an illusion.
"I didn't intend to hide my identity," Lux (Raiden Ei) answered calmly. "You three were simply too weak to notice it."
"Damn bitch..." The Assassin gritted his blood-stained teeth. "Heh, even if you kill us, what difference does it make? The moment you do, you become an enemy of Shadow Order! No matter how high your Rank is, can you really fight a Rank SSS Hunter?!"
The leader of the Shadow Order Guild was a Rank SSS Hunter, an individual whose mere existence was enough to make other Hunters tremble in fear.
Once it was discovered that three of their elite guild members had been killed, their leader would surely unleash a terrifying retaliation!
"Well? Do you still want to kill us?" the Assassin challenged with a mocking smile.
He was certain Lux (Raiden Ei) would falter upon hearing his threat. After all, the title of Rank SSS Hunter was terrifying to anyone.
Yet... Lux's (Raiden Ei's) expression remained unchanged, leaving the Assassin utterly confused.
"Most people would be terrified hearing that," Lux (Raiden Ei) said calmly. "Unfortunately... I'm not one of them."
She paused for a moment, her eyes glinting dangerously. "On the contrary, I hope your Guild leader really does come and face me."
The Assassin was stunned upon hearing that insane statement. Once he fully grasped the meaning behind her words, he screamed in horror, "Y-you've gone INSANEโ"
๐๐ก๐๐จ๐จ๐๐...!!
A flash of purple moved faster than thought.
The blade of Lux's (Raiden Ei's) naginata sliced through the air, and in an instant, the Assassin's head separated from his body before he could even finish his sentence.
The same fate befell the other two Assassins. Their heads rolled onto the wet ground, expressions of shock and disbelief frozen forever on their faces.
"Is it over, then?" Lux (Raiden Ei) murmured softly.
๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ง!
Blue lightning flashed across the sky as Lux (Raiden Ei) closed her eyes and tilted her head up. Rain washed over her flawless face, streaming like tears from her cheeks down to her neck, then trickling to her chest.
In that solitude, for a brief moment, she looked so fragile, as if the weight of hundreds of years of existence were reflected in her silence.
Suddenly, the sound of splashing water pulled her from her reverie.
Lux (Raiden Ei) turned around and found a familiar handsome young man and boy standing not far from her.
Her eyebrows rose in question.
"...Why are you two here?"
Emil and the boy stood transfixed. The sight of Lux (Raiden Ei), soaked by rain, looked like a painting of deadly beauty, a perfection that was almost frightening.
"W-we were worried thaโ"
"Worried?" Lux (Raiden Ei) frowned. "I already told you, don't worry about me. And you," she looked at the boy, "why did you, just a little kid, come along with him? I clearly remember telling you to stay away."
"Um... Um..." The boy stammered nervously.
"I-it was my fault!" Emil quickly cut in. "I was so worried, I almost forgot about him!"
"You..." Lux (Raiden Ei) was about to say something but held it back. "Forget it. You two don't need to worry anymore. It's all over."
"Y-yes..."
Both of them looked nervous, especially seeing the red liquid staining Lux's (Raiden Ei's) naginata.
Thankfully, Lux's (Raiden Ei's) position blocked their view of the headless corpses, a sight that would surely haunt their dreams.
At that moment, the sound of various vehicles โ the screech of tank treads and the whir of helicopter blades โ began to draw closer.
"YOUNG MASTER EMIL!!" the military squad leader shouted from the distance.
Seeing reinforcements arrive, Emil and the boy let out a sigh of relief, the weight on their shoulders lifting.
"The two of you need to leave now," Lux (Raiden Ei) said flatly. "They've come to collect you."
"W-won't big sister come with us?" the boy asked nervously.
Lux (Raiden Ei) glanced at him briefly before answering, "I still have something I need to take care of. So go andโ"
Suddenly, Lux's (Raiden Ei's) expression shifted drastically.
Engulfing Lightning and Chakra Desiderata roared simultaneously with deafening flashes of purple light.
Emil and the boy were startled by the sudden change, but their expressions turned to pure terror as a giant wave of black shadow surged toward them, ready to shred their bodies without mercy.
A sense of death enveloped them both as they stood frozen, helpless, watching their end approach.
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐....!!! ๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐๐....!!!!
In an instant, a tremendous collision occurred between the purple thunder and the black shadow!
Some of the military vehicles were shielded by a veil of purple lightning, but the resulting air pressure still tossed all the vehicles around like toys!
Emil stood stunned.
The boy's eyes went wide.
Every soldier present froze in place.
Standing before them was a figure who had once been flawless, now looking so fragile.
Lux's (Raiden Ei's) breathing was ragged, one eye forced shut by blood trickling from a wound on her forehead.
Her right hand, still gripping the naginata, trembled violently, a gaping wound clearly visible against her pale skin.
Her body shuddered as a fit of harsh coughing overtook her.
"Ugh..." Fresh red blood splattered onto the ground, her once rosy lips now deathly pale.
"B-big sister!!" the boy screamed in horror.
The woman's composure was gone; she looked as though she were fighting against death itself.
Yet Lux (Raiden Ei) merely wiped the blood from her lips and stood upright. "...I'm fine."
"Don't talk nonsense! You're clearly not fine!" Emil shouted in panic, moving forward to help, but Lux (Raiden Ei) rejected him with a firm gesture.
"Don't come closer, or... Ugh..."
Their panic grew even worse as fresh blood flowed once more from Lux's (Raiden Ei's) lips.
Lux (Raiden Ei) furrowed her brow, feeling her entire body radiate an almost unbearable pain.
Though Raiden Shogun's body wasn't a human body, its organs still functioned like a human's. She could still feel pain...
Even drawing a breath felt like torture.
Lux (Raiden Ei) tried to steady herself. Blood flowed from the wounds on her body, soaking the ground already wet from the rain.
Her gaze remained cold and sharp, defying the dire situation she faced.
"Even after receiving a direct lethal attack, still alive. Just as expected from a Rank SS+ Hunter."
That voice โ cold and hollow โ echoed through the humid air.
The entire group froze instantly, as if struck by a spell.
With stiff movements, they turned, only to find a shadowy silhouette standing before them.
The figure wasn't human; its form was distorted and unbalanced, as if teetering on the edge of existence.
"You..." Lux (Raiden Ei) glared sharply at the figure. "...Who are you?"
"๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ ๐พ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป'๐ ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐." The voice flowed like black oil. "๐'๐บ ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ต๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ป, ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ. ๐'๐บ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐น๐ ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฐ๐ถ๐ผ๐๐๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ป ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฎ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ."
Hearing that statement, Lux's (Raiden Ei's) brow furrowed. Without hesitation, she raised Engulfing Lightning.
"So... you're an existence born by 'coincidence'?"
"๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐, ๐๐ฒ๐." The figure nodded, the shadows forming it moving unnaturally. "๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ'๐ ๐บ๐ ๐๐๐ด๐ด๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐. ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป'๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐๐๐ฒ."
"H-how would we know that without trying?!" one member of the group shouted, trembling.
"๐๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ," the figure said mockingly, "๐ด๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฟ๐."
"F-fire!!"
In an instant, a volley of bullets and magically reinforced missiles streaked toward the silhouette. A series of deafening explosions shook the ground, sending thick clouds of dust and smoke billowing into the air.
As the smoke thinned, a suffocating silence blanketed the area. Whether from sweat or rain, everyone's bodies trembled with cold.
"D-did we get it?"
"๐ก๐ผ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฑ," the voice sounded again, "๐ฏ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐ต๐๐ฟ๐ ๐บ๐ฒ... ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐'๐ ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ."
Their eyes widened in horror as they found the silhouette still standing calmly in its original spot. Not a single scratch marked the figure.
None of them had any chance of surviving, but Lux (Raiden Ei) stepped forward calmly.
The silhouette tilted its head, a movement that looked unnatural. "...๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐น? ๐๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐๐ผ๐ ๐บ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ, ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐ป๐ผ๐..."
"I'm always in my prime condition." Lux's voice cut in sharply, cold. "So spare me your nonsense."
"D-donโ" Emil tried to say something, but was cut off.
"I won't say it again." Lux's (Raiden Ei's) gaze shifted to Emil and the others. "Leave this place. Don't be a burden to me."
"R-Raiden, Iโ"
๐ฝ๐๐๐!!
The ground near Emil's feet exploded, making the man jump backward.
"Stop calling me as if we're close." Lux's (Raiden Ei's) gaze made Emil shudder, a look carrying pure killing intent.
"Leave this place, or I'll kill you myself. All of you here are nothing but a burden."
Emil and the others trembled violently. Lux's (Raiden Ei's) gaze threatened their very lives, showing she wasn't joking with her words.
"Y-yes..."
They hurried away from the scene, running with fear haunting every step.
Lux (Raiden Ei) waited until their silhouettes vanished from sight before turning back to face the shadowy figure before her.
"...๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ," the silhouette commented mockingly. "๐๐๐... ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐บ๐ฒ? ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐๐ผ๐น๐๐๐ฒ๐น๐ ๐ป๐ผ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ๐บ ๐น๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ. ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐, ๐ฎ ๐ต๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ๐ป'๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐น๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐."
"Here's my answer."
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐๐....!!! ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐...!!
Without warning, purple thunder erupted and accelerated toward the silhouette, obliterating everything without mercy.
Lux (Raiden Ei) took a heavy breath, but her eyes widened slightly as the silhouette suddenly appeared right before her!
"๐๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ. ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐บ๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ป๐ผ๐."
๐ฝ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐...!!!
An attack shaped like a giant shadow-colored fist slammed into Lux (Raiden Ei), but with extraordinary reflexes, she blocked it with her naginata.
Cracks spread across the ground in a spiderweb pattern as Lux's (Raiden Ei's) footing was pushed backward, forming a small crater beneath her feet.
Enduring the burning pain in her arm, Lux's (Raiden Ei's) eyes flared with blazing purple light.
The Chakra Desiderata behind her radiated a terrifying glow!
๐ฝ๐ค๐ค๐ข...! ๐ฝ๐ค๐ค๐ข...! ๐ฝ๐ค๐ค๐ข...!
One after another, purple lightning bolts struck the shadowy figure's body, relentlessly, without pause.
But the figure's body didn't budge, still pressing down on Lux (Raiden Ei) with its immense power.
Suddenly, the figure looked up toward the sky.
Above, a gathering of electro energy began forming, taking the shape of a western dragon that roared terrifyingly.
Purple light radiated from the dragon's body, illuminating the dark sky!
"...๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐๐น๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฒ," the figure said, sounding slightly shaken for the first time.
"๐๐ถ๐ฒ."
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐๐....!!!
The purple thunder dragon dove downward with extraordinary speed. Without mercy, it detonated everything on the ground's surface!
Surrounding buildings instantly turned to ash. The ground, once a pale black, now looked even more horrifying, a pungent burning smell spreading in every direction.
In an instant, an area spanning more than one kilometer turned into barren wasteland!
๐๐ช๐ฌ... ๐๐ช๐ฌ... ๐๐ช๐ฌ...
The heavy rain, which had briefly stopped, began falling again, soaking everything that remained.
Only Lux's (Raiden Ei's) silhouette remained visible, her breathing heavy and uneven. Her eyes began to cloud, a sign of exhausted stamina.
The thunder dragon she had summoned wasn't part of Raiden Ei's original abilities; it was purely born from her imagination as 'Lux Frost.'
But she hadn't expected it to drain so much energy. Controlling natural lightning was extremely difficult due to its speed, reaching the ground in 0.001 seconds, vastly different from other artificial lightning energy.
Even though that attack had been so devastating, Lux (Raiden Ei) knew it still wasn't enough to defeat her opponent.
Forcing herself to remain standing, she narrowed her eyes, cautiously scanning her surroundings.
At a glance, the area appeared empty, but...
Lux's (Raiden Ei's) expression changed instantly.
"Hm?!"
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!! ๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐...!!
Engulfing Lightning split the air, instantly severing a shadow hand that had reached out to grab her body.
But that attack wasn't over yet.
More shadow hands emerged, seemingly endless, pursuing Lux (Raiden Ei) with savage intent.
๐๐ก๐๐จ๐...! ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐...! ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐...! ๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐...!!!
Like an elegant dancer in a performance of death, Lux's (Raiden Ei's) figure spun with grace yet lethal precision.
Her spear moved with speed almost too fast to see, cutting down every attack that came.
The Chakra Desiderata gleamed intensely, and all the shadow hands paused for a moment. That was whenโ
๐ฝ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐!!!!!
Every shadow hand pursuing Lux (Raiden Ei) was shredded to pieces.
Like a purple laser, bolts of lightning shot through every shadow that dared approach her!
Then... Lux (Raiden Ei) witnessed a sight that would strike pure terror into anyone.
The woman exhaled, her gaze turning serious. "It seems... this is starting to get troublesome."
Within a two-kilometer radius, shadows in various forms began emerging, from adult human shapes to cone-shaped shadows suddenly jutting up from the ground.
Even as Lux (Raiden Ei) continued bombarding them with Electro energy, their numbers didn't decrease; instead, they kept multiplying, like an unstoppable plague.
The radius of the attack kept expanding as the shadows devoured everything they touched, even sturdy buildings weren't spared from destruction.
Just as Lux (Raiden Ei) began to hesitate over whether to unleash her strongest sword technique, her eyes suddenly caught sight of text floating in the sky, a string of letters formed from flower petals:
[๐ธ๐๐ผ๐ป'๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ, ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ถ๐. ๐๐น๐น ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ณ๐๐น๐น๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ]
She blinked, then the corner of her mouth lifted slightly. Her tone turned gentle as she whispered, "Good..."
"[๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ, ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐! ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป'๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐น ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ... ๐'๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐น๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐บ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐น!]"
A terrifying giant face formed on the ground, a mouth as wide as a whale's, wide open, ready to swallow anything.
"Immortal?" Lux (Raiden Ei) asked calmly. "In that case, I'm curious... can you actually survive this time?"
"[๐๐๐ต?]"
Confusion swept over the shadowy figure as it watched purple lightning gather around Lux's (Raiden Ei's) body.
Unlike before, the purple this time was darker, denser. The lightning was more aggressive, as if impatient to devour.
Even the lightning in the sky shifted color from blue to purple, roaring violently as if uncontrollable. A suffocating aura enveloped the area.
Engulfing Lightning in Lux's (Raiden Ei's) right hand suddenly vanished, but that only made the shadowy creature more anxious.
"[๐๐ผ๐ป'๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ธ ๐'๐น๐น ๐น๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐!]"
The creature roared with fury.
Countless shadow spikes shot out with extraordinary speed.
Shadow monsters emerged from every direction, roaring savagely toward Lux (Raiden Ei).
In an instant, Lux's (Raiden Ei's) figure was completely surrounded. Every escape route was blocked. There was no way out.
Yet... Lux's (Raiden Ei's) expression remained unchanged.
Since the battle began, her face had maintained an almost unnatural calm, as if the outcome of this fight had already been decided.
Her pale lips moved, speaking an incantation gently yet full of power.
"๐๐ง๐๐๐ข๐ค๐๐ซ๐ข (๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ )..."
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐...!!! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐! ๐ฝ๐๐๐...!!!
Suddenly, thousands of lightning bolts shot down from the sky and bombarded the ground, destroying the monsters and shadow attacks in an instant.
The lightning seemed endless. Every time a shadow drew close to Lux (Raiden Ei), another bolt struck it down without mercy.
The shadowy creature froze, unable to believe what it was seeing.
Wasn't that woman gravely wounded? How could she still unleash an attack this powerful?!
"[๐ก๐ข! ๐๐ง'๐ฆ ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ฆ!! ๐ก๐ข ๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ช ๐ฆ๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ฆ, ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐!!]"
It roared savagely, and the shadows grew wild, the entire area shaking violently until even the nearby city felt the tremors!
But...
'Then let's compare your immortality with... mine.'
Lux's (Raiden Ei's) gaze remained cold.
"๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ฐ๐๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ข (๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ)"
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐...!!
The shadows approaching her vanished instantly as purple lightning thundered from Lux's (Raiden Ei's) body.
At that moment, a sword hilt mysteriously emerged from her chest, without hesitation, she pulled it free, like a legendary knight drawing a sword from a sacred altar.
The sword's full form became visible.
Its blade radiated a blinding purple light, with high-intensity Electro gathering along the edge.
๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป โ a sword symbolizing the Electro Archon's power, perhaps one of the strongest swords ever to exist.
Along with the sword's appearance, the Chakra Desiderata reacted, channeling even more Electro throughout Lux's (Raiden Ei's) entire body.
And now... Raiden Ei's unmatched legendary swordsmanship was ready to be unleashed.
"<<๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ง๐จ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ก๐ข>>"
At that moment, time and space seemed to freeze for an instant, followed by a soft yet terrifying tearing sound, a sign that the fabric of space and time had just been cut.
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐....!!! ๐๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐....!!
A lightning-shaped slash struck and thunder roared devastatingly in an instant.
The sound of purple lightning was deafening, drowning everything on the ground in blinding light.
The shadow monsters had no time to react before being fully consumed by the eternal purple lightning.
The shadowy creature was utterly stunned, it had never imagined an attack like this could exist!
For the first time, it felt true terror.
It had believed its immortality was unrivaled, but under the force of this attack, that immortality seemed to mean nothing at all!
That realization filled it with fear, and it wanted to flee, but...
It was already too late.
The terrifying power of the Thunder Goddess swallowed everything without mercy!
Beneath that single vertical slash, the sky, the earth, and the buildings instantly vanished into ash.
The attack continued still, its cut even leveling several mountains far from the location.
This was... the true power of a swordsmanship art gathering thousands of truths and countless wishes!
๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐๐๐....!!!!
For a moment, people in the distance could see a great dimensional crack forming in the sky.
Not a Dungeon Break rift, but a purple-colored crack with three windmill-like patterns radiating a majestic aura.
Its shape resembled a ringed planet, symbolizing the glory and honor of the Electro Archon.
Seeing the result of her own work, Lux (Raiden Ei) merely lifted the corner of her mouth slightly while covering her wounded right arm.
The Musou Isshin sword slowly returned to its origin, sinking back into her body.
The overcast weather now turned clear. Sunlight gradually illuminated the devastated earth below.
Narrowing her eyes, Lux (Raiden Ei) said quietly, "I really don't suit weather this bright..."
She was about to leave the area, but after just one step, extreme exhaustion slammed into her body. Her legs could no longer support her weight.
"Ugh..." Lux (Raiden Ei) coughed, fresh blood flowing from the corner of her mouth.
An immense pain spread throughout her entire body, blurring her vision. Moving in her current state was incredibly difficult.
Sensing several familiar presences and Rank S Hunters approaching, she couldn't help but let out a sigh...
"<<๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ข๐>>"
A purple-colored dimensional rift appeared beside her.
Without hesitation, she stepped inside, but faintly, she heard someone calling out to her in desperation...
***
๐พ๐ง๐๐๐ !
"Oh?"
In a luxurious room shrouded in darkness and filled with roses, a veiled woman raised an eyebrow with curiosity.
Her face was hidden, yet her elegant, somewhat revealing gown displayed her grace and authority.
Her gaze fell upon three cracked chess pawns. Behind her veil, her lips curved into a mysterious smile.
"Interesting... I wonder who has the nerve to kill three Rank S Assassins from my Guild."
At that exact moment, a masked woman appeared beside her, kneeling respectfully.
"Forgive me for disturbing your time, Miss."
"Hmm? Is there a problem?" she asked without turning to look.
"Yes... a new Rank SS+ Hunter has appeared in the eastern region."
"Is that all?" she asked, indifferent. Surprising as it was, it wasn't enough to catch her interest.
Their Guild already had three Rank SS+ Assassins, making them one of the most feared Guilds around. Furthermore, she had an extremely lethal Rank S+ Assassin, so the emergence of another Rank SS+ wasn't particularly special.
However...
"The problem is... this new Rank SS+ Hunter has six Talents, and she's the one who managed to kill our three Assassins."
Her movements stopped instantly. Slowly, she turned toward the messenger.
"Oh? Is that true? I hope you're not trying to deceive me..."
"I-I wouldn't dare..." The masked Assassin trembled under the pressure of her aura.
After all, the one sitting before her was a Rank SSS Hunter, the highest tier held by only a handful of people in the world.
"Hmm... interesting." The woman smiled with hidden meaning. "Don't do anything for now. Keep an eye on her movements as best you can. As for those three pieces of trash... just leave them, they can be replaced by anyone anyway."
"Y-yes."
"Ah, I almost forgot." The woman suddenly remembered something important. "How's our beloved member doing? There's no way she's still fine after facing the Queen of Gravity."
"A-about that... there's still no news."
"What a shame." She let out a soft sigh.
The Assassin fell silent. She certainly knew who her leader was referring to.
Unlike the other members, the one in question held a very special place within their Guild.
For whatever reason, their leader paid extraordinary attention to his, even granting his authority no other member possessed, not even those of Rank SS.
"Then, you may go."
"Understood."
After watching the Assassin depart, the veiled woman murmured softly, "Without you, for some reason, I feel a bit lonely... 'Frost Assassin'."
The image of a fourteen-year-old with a cold gaze flashed through her mind, making her smile grow even more captivating, yet dangerous.
"First Commander, Laura Silver, is it?"
Thinking of that expressionless girl, the woman's gaze gleamed with a menacing intensity.
"Perhaps... I should pay a visit to the Capital for a while..."
***