Chapter 62 - Battle (2)

From our side, we are taking fire from the projectiles of some Recluses perched high up. These very imposing trees offer an ideal shelter for their artillery. This is followed by five Recluses crossing the area and heading directly towards the support group via vines.

_ Ayden: " The bastards! They're taking advantage of this diversion to attack the other group! "

Successively, they let themselves drop from their vines, their weapons brandished.

_ Hazel: " Look out!! "

Reactive, Kona unleashes her Source on a random target, causing a migraine. The latter loses stability in free fall, while the four others, initially targeting the three young girls, run into the two members of Blaike.

_ Recluse: " Impossible!? They managed to parry our move while we were at full inertia?? "

_ Member 1: " Our leader gave us an order… "

_ Member 2: " And we fully intend to carry it out! "

With energy, each assailant is propelled backward. Astonished, they leap back up, their weapons brandished anew, ready for a fight. The blades clash in a metallic din, creating a savage symphony. Not far from this scene, the last Recluse, his migraine dissipated, hurried toward one of the twins, his expression dark.

_ Shailly: " Kona, on your right!! "

A massive hook stands out. Kaya, also reactive and positioned in his blind spot, deflects the latter's surprise attack.

_ Kona: " Thank you, girls. "

_ Kaya: " Tie him up before you thank us. "

_ Kona: " Yes! "

She rushes towards her bag, grabbing a rope found in the clinic.

_ Ayden: " Perfect, their group is holding steady. We have to keep going like this, but ever since their gunner got hung up on the tree, it's impossible to act! "

_ Hazel: " Damn it! He's got a really annoying Source! I don't see how we can dislodge him! "

_ Ayden: " Luckily for us, these projectiles are quite slow, but at this rate, he'll wear us down. "

_ Recluse: " Try dodging that! "

A few giant lead balls are raining down on us. Everyone dodges fiercely, sweat on their brow.

_ Son: " I'm not sure I can last much longer, Ayden! "

_ Recluse: " Hahaha, I am too powerful for you! " he said, gesticulating with his hands.

_ Ayden: " I must find a way to climb that damn tree before his recharge time is over. "

Then, I scan the surroundings.

_ Ayden: " If I find a high enough obstacle, then with my Source I could… "

My pupils fixate on an unexpected scene. Maïko, several meters away from us, out of everyone's reach, stands motionless, holding a dagger in her mouth. A thick vapor escapes from her entire body. Only her arms are transposed.

_ Ayden: " Maïko? When did she leave her position? And more importantly, what is she about to do? "

In that brief moment, the determination in her gaze, directed towards the sky, is striking. A girl driven by rage appears before me. Gradually, her body volatilizes, leaving behind only several empty gourds on the ground, witnesses to her disappearance.

_ Ayden: " Where did she go? "

A disturbing thought immediately crossed my mind.