Chapter 38 - Outbreak (2)

The provocation of the confident leader ignites a spark of anger in Memba, which soon sets all his senses ablaze.

_ Memba: “ Stay in your place, insolent woman! ”

Like an arrow shot from a bow, he lunges at her, his blade vibrating with murderous intent. But the young woman, agile, dodges the attack with disconcerting ease. Evading the assault and with cold determination, she plunges her dagger into her opponent's side.

Stabilized on the spot by the counterattack, Moana, believing the fight to be over, relaxes. But out of the corner of her eye, a mischievous smile on her enemy's face appears in her vision, surprising her.

A punch of unprecedented violence flies toward her skull. Her arms, raised at just the right moment, manage to deflect the blow slightly. The impact propels her violently several meters away. Her face impassive, she contemplates the damage inflicted on her limbs, understanding the power of her opponent.

_ Memba: “ That's not how you're going to eliminate me. ”

With the stylus removed from his side, he notices that his fist is emitting a slight vapor. An eyebrow rises.

_ Memba: “ My fist is burning. What's going on? ”

A sweeping gesture appears on the horizon, an outstretched arm, palm open like an invitation.

_ Moana: “ But you're already dead. ”

She closes her palm, and immediately, Memba's fist bursts into flames.

Madness overwhelms him, and he struggles like a damned soul. The unbearable pain drives him to extremes. With a sharp, precise stroke of the blade, he cuts off his hand, a heart-rending cry rising to the sky.

At the same time, Edna, still unsteady, as if emerging from a long dream, slowly sits up. Her misty eyes rest on the scene unfolding before her. Sitting down, she is a helpless spectator to a macabre scene: Memba, grimacing in pain, missing a hand. And not far away, Pico, frozen in death. A striking sight that leaves her speechless.

_ Edna: “ Damn it, what the hell is this nonsense?? ”

With great effort, Memba regained consciousness and raised his eyes, his gaze dark with anger. Scanning the surrounding area, searching for his opponent, he was surprised to see that his target had vanished. A colossal shadow stretches out at his feet, obscuring his field of vision. Lifting it toward the sky, he finally makes out his prey, but a feeling of revulsion seizes him. He bitterly realizes that he is at the mercy of his opponent.

Just a few feet away, she concentrates her Source into a single point and, upon contact with the latter, releases an enormous cloud of smoke containing particles that gradually char Memba. Shortly thereafter, he collapses heavily, his massive body sprawling lifelessly on the ground.

_ Kona: “ I can't believe it… ”

_ Son: “ It's crazy… ”

_ Ayden: " It's just mind-blowing. I think those two fights combined barely lasted five minutes, and she just won without any difficulty. "

In the distance, the enemy is equally stunned.

_ Edna: “ But... How... Where did this girl come from?? ”

Moana's eyes, two bottomless wells, turn to Edna. An invisible, unsettling connection forms between their gazes. Terror seizes her, leaving her speechless and petrified.

_ Edna: “ What's wrong with me? Am I really shaking?? I'm going to… ”

_ Moana: “ Get out of here. ”

The Recluse opens her eyes wide, her face still pale, sweat on her forehead, without saying a word.

_ Moana: “ I told you to get out. Get out of my sight. ”

Terrified, Edna sits up straight, her body tense, then obeys immediately. Without a word, she rushes into the forest, her silhouette disappearing into the growing darkness.

Moana, slightly calmer, walks over to Jenna's lifeless body. She gently picks her up and lays her at the foot of a shady tree. Closing the eyes of our deceased friend, she offers her a final silent farewell.