Chapter 33 - Blood (2)

Maïko and Shailly, both quite stressed by the situation, watch the impact, their hearts beating slightly faster.

_ Maïko: “ Look at the size of the hole he just made. We mustn't let him attack us. ”

Indeed, a hole several inches deep appears in the field of vision of the orphans.

_ Hazel: “ Damn, I didn't have time to see its Source. ”

Pico materializes a geometric figure as large as an adult's body on his palm.

_ Hazel: “ A cone? ”

Then, he swings his enormous cone toward the orphans. The three dodge the attack again.

_ Hazel: “ That was close. Despite the cone's impressive size, its speed is not insignificant. If it hits us at point-blank range, we won't be able to avoid it. ”

_ Pico: “ This is only the beginning. ”

For her part, Kaya parries some of Edna's blows with her arms, while her remarkably fluid body dodges the attacks. Edna, refusing to be intimidated, unleashes a devastating counterattack with a powerful kick. Kaya, ever alert, blocks the assault with her arms crossed. The force of the impact sends her flying several meters backward, demonstrating the Recluse's raw power.

_ Edna: “ You've got a big mouth, but you're doing well. I like that! ”

_ Kaya: “ ... ”

Her feet pound the ground.

_ Edna: “ Let's step it up a notch! ”

She rushes resolutely toward Kaya, but a feeling of dizziness overtakes her, causing her to stagger and doubt her steps.

_ Edna: “ What the...? ”

Taking advantage of a gap in her opponent's guard, Kaya lands a left hook to her face. Under the impact of the blow, Edna loses her balance and rolls several meters. Struggling to her feet, her eyes fill with growing anger.

_ Edna: “ What was that? ”

Her lips begin to bleed. A smile appears. Licking the blood from her lips, the hunter resumes her pursuit. In a lightning-fast move, she charges toward her target, attempting a sliding tackle.

Caught off guard but quick on her feet, Kaya jumps to avoid the tackle, but in her momentum, her leg gets caught in Edna's firm grip. With an agile leap, she lands on one foot. But Edna, already back on her feet, swiftly delivers a clothesline to her throat. Kaya crashes violently to the ground.

_ Kona: “ Kaya!! ”

With her chin raised and her gaze piercing, Edna stares at the other twin. The intensity in her eyes reflects an unwavering determination. Despite her steady gait, she feels another wave of dizziness wash over her. The ground seems to give way beneath her feet, causing her to stagger slightly.

_ Edna: “ Damn, here we go again! ”

Taking advantage of a moment of respite, Kaya draws on her strength and straightens up with a sudden movement. Edna turns around with difficulty, receiving a knee to the abdomen. Kaya follows up with a devastating right hook.

But with disconcerting agility, Edna dodges the hook by a microsecond. Driven by cold rage, she wraps her palm around Kaya's face, hooks her supporting foot, throwing her off balance, before propelling her to the ground with a firm and merciless push.

Kaya's body bears the scars of the duel. A combination of bruises and cuts testify to the ferocity of the confrontation. With a heavy heart, Kona grimaces as she sees her twin sister lying on the damp ground, her face covered in blood.

The Recluse sits up, smiling broadly.

_ Edna: “ Your turn, sweetie! ”

She rushes toward the twin, her footsteps striking the ground with warrior-like fervor. Kona, her forehead beaded with sweat, prepares to face the imminent assault. In her frantic dash, Edna suddenly closes her eyes, much to the twin's surprise.

Under Kona's stunned gaze, Edna pivots nimbly on her heel and unleashes a lightning-fast roundhouse kick, aiming for her opponent's skull. With an instinctive reflex, Kona raises both forearms, blocking Edna's powerful blow.

However, her opponent's lightning speed catches her off guard, and a stinging hook hits her square in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her. With a firm grip, she grabs Kona's hair and slams it against the tree. Still with her eyes closed, she smiles.

_ Edna: “ You're not as tough as your sister. ”

Then stop smiling.

_ Edna: “ But tell me… ”

She opens one eye, her gaze intimidating and chilling.

_ Edna: “ It's because of you that I have problems, isn't it? ”

The twin doesn't say a word.

_ Edna: “ Your silence speaks volumes, sweetheart. You're definitely in the Hypnosis Class and Type C. ”

Still speechless, Kona frowns.

_ Kona: “ I've already used my Source twice. I still have two uses left before I exhaust all my energy. ”

_ Edna: “ Like me, your sister doesn't seem to have a Source. Despite her behavior, she has my utmost respect. ”

With her other hand, she grabs Kona by the neck and, enraged, strangles him.

_ Edna: “ On the other hand, I can't stand people like you who attack from behind. ”