Chapter 71 - Dread

Her armed colleague charges straight at her, while the armored individual is still holding her. Struggling with all her might, she changed her strategy and, with a backward snap of her head, smashed it into her assailant’s skull; the impact, though painful, released her from his grip. Then comes another punch, right in the center, which knocks him to the ground.However, this brief moment of advantage turns into a flaw, skillfully exploited by the armed opponent who lands a hook right in Edna's face, knocking her to the ground.

The wound on her cheek, a crimson stigma of the affront, fans the flames of her fury. She notices the flowing blood, licks it as it escapes, then rises sharply, ready for the fray. But once again targeted by the individual in military gear, a massive, artificially created vine coiled around Edna’s forearm, pulling with brute force to knock her off balance.

_ Edna: " Another asshole with a power! "

In that tiny fragment of time, Edna finds herself at the mercy of her opponent, who strikes her mercilessly across her entire body.

_ Hazel: " If this keeps up, she’s not going to hold out. "

_ Kona: " No matter how strong she is, three against one... it’s just not possible. "

_ Kaya: " Anyway, it’s not our fight. "

Suddenly, granite forms around the legs of the armed assailant.

_ Hazel: " What?! “

The confusion in the eyes of the two individuals provides Edna with an opportunity. She drives an elbow into the bone of the forearm, forcing him to drop the metal weapon. In one fluid motion, she delivers a well-placed uppercut, knocking her opponent out cold instantly. The other individual, only a few steps away, attempted a discreet attack, but was equally surprised to feel granite upon his legs.

_ Individual 2: “ When exactly… “

Like a predator, Edna closes in, trips him to throw him off balance, and pins him to the ground, immobilizing him with an iron grip. Simultaneously, the three children are stunned by Ayden's sudden appearance, an arrival as stealthy as it is inexplicable.

Edna, catching her breath at last, exhausted by the final end of the confrontation, gradually begins to make out familiar faces.

_ Edna: “ You are… “

One by one, the orphans emerge from their hiding places, their faces etched with indignation.

_ Kaya: “ What is wrong with you? Are you crazy?? Why are you helping our enemy?? “

The information, though clearly received, goes in one ear and out the other. Focused solely on my target, I keep walking without paying any mind to his ramblings, my gaze fixed on the individuals.

_ Kaya: " Hey, I'm talking to you! "

_ Ayden: " Don't misunderstand me. I have questions for these men. "

_ Kaya: " Huh? "

_ Individual 2: " Hmm, I have nothing to say to you, vermin. "

Still unaware of his intent, I take another step forward, while Edna, clinging to the assailant, searches his pockets.

_ Ayden: " What do you know about the Lunar Village? And where exactly is it located? "

_ Individual 2: " Are you deaf? I told you, I have nothing to say to you! "

The bag of crowns falls from Edna’s hands, revealing a pathetic loot. A grimace of disgust contorts her face, and a vein begins to pulse at her temple.

_ Edna: " In that case, answer mine. Where can I score some cash? "

_ Individual 2: " Same goes for you, brat. "

Without hesitation and with a precise, brutal movement, Edna seized her assailant’s shoulder and, with an armlock, prepared to inflict a clean fracture.

_ Individual 2: " What the!? "

_ Edna: " My patience has its limits. I'm giving you three seconds. "

_ Individual 2: " Wait, wait, we can work something… "

_ Edna: " Three. "

_ Individual 2: " Fuck, she's actually serious! "

_ Individual 1: " Don't say anything! "

_ Edna: " Two. "

Sweat beads on the individual's forehead. The vice tightens, and hesitation gnaws at him. He struggles in vain, the grip too strong, rushing him toward the inevitable.

_ Individual 1: “ Are you aware of your actions, kid? You won't get away with this! “

Ignoring this, she continues her countdown, her face impassive.

_ Edna: “ One. “

Feeling a sharp pull in his shoulder, an intense pressure, as much physical as it was mental, envelops him. His jaw tightens, his teeth clench, and then a cry of fear bursts from his lips.

_ Individual 2: " ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT... Lunar Village is located about fifteen kilometers from here! "

_ Individual 1: " But?! " he uttered, overwhelmed by his comrade's lack of loyalty.

_ Individual 2: " If you want more information, go ask at the Khalos camp. "

— Ayden: " The Khalos camp? "

_ Individual 2: " You can't miss them. Every member has a tattoo of an astrological symbol on their fa... AARRGH! "

_ Edna: " Are you kidding me? Answer my question first! "

_ Individual 2: " The Khalos camp has money too... a lot of money... You’ll find everything you're looking for there… "

Gradually releasing her grip, Edna pulls herself up slightly and grabs her victim by the hair.

_ Edna: " You'd better not have lied. Next time, there won't be a countdown. "

Then, he releases his grip and draws himself up to his full height. In that same moment, a few orphans approach me. I exchange a glance with one of them.

_ Shailly: " Do you think he's telling the truth? "

_ Ayden: " I don't know. But first, let’s make sure of the location of this camp. "

Then, I watch for the attacker again.

_ Ayden: " He’s vulnerable. Let’s take this opportunity to squeeze more inform… “

Suddenly, a strong odor emanated from my body.

_ Kona: " What is that smell?? “

_ Shailly: " I feel it on my body too! "

_ Hazel: " It smells like meat. "

_ Son: " Meat? But we don't have anything on us. "

Shortly after, tiny red granules escaped from the ground.

_ Ayden: “ It’s not coming from our bodies; it’s coming from the floor. “

_ Kaya: " From the floor? "

_ Hazel: " You're right. But why all of a sudden? "

_ Maïko: " Whatever, it stinks and it's annoying! "

Carefully scanning our perimeter, nothing stands out to me. Suddenly, a dark thought crosses my mind. My eyes dart to one of the individuals on the ground; Edna follows my gaze, having likely guessed who the culprit was. Moments later, a massive kick slammed into the assailant's face.

_ Edna: “ You bastard, it’s you, isn’t it?! “

Despite the bloody mouth, a mocking chuckle broke out.

_ Individual 1: “ I did warn you... that it was best to keep quiet. “

_ Individual 2: " Are you crazy? You trying to get us all killed?? "

_ Individual 1: " Shut the hell up, you piece of shit snitch! "

_ Edna: " Hey!! "

With a piercing gaze, Edna approached the culprit.

_ Edna: " I don't care about your squabbles, just tell me what you just fucking did. "

_ Individual 1: " My pleasure. I have just used my Source to spread a flesh-flavored scent within a strictly defined perimeter. " he said, with pride.

_ Edna: " Huh? What kind of shitty power is that? Aren't you ashamed of yourself? "

Slightly more relaxed, Son tries to reassure us.

_ Son: " It’s… Is that it? Basically, he can simulate any smell? Why is his colleague getting so worked up then, haha. "

_ Ayden: " No, we are trapped. "

Everyone looks at me, looking disturbed.

_ Son: “ What do you mean, man? “

_ Ayden: “ If we are soaked in the scent of flesh, it will attract wild animals. “

My words make their blood run cold.

_ Individual 1: “ You’ve hit the nail on the head, kid! If I’m going down… then let’s all sink together! “

_ Edna: “ You son of a… “

Caught off guard, I immediately turn my gaze toward my comrades, who are already stressed.

_ Ayden: " Leave this sector immediately!! "

_ Hazel: " And the plan?? "

_ Ayden: " Forget it, no time! "

In a headlong rush, we began our race toward an as-yet unexplored exit. However, before we could even plunge into the vegetation, three gigantic silhouettes rose up before us. Several meters away from us and Edna, three beefy wild hyenas appeared, standing nearly two meters tall, staring us down with the sole objective of hacking us to pieces.

_ Kona: " Is this a joke? They are… already here?? "

_ Ayden: " We're in deep shit now! "