The Escalante Audrey knew was actually Ms. D in disguise?
Angel's heart sank. Although she had noticed something unusual about the other party through the vision of the Crimson Eyes and guessed that Audrey had stumbled into a trap laid by her, she had been completely unprepared to encounter an old friend—the Aurora Order's Oracle—here.
Especially since, as a Shepherd, she had demonstrated her ability to fight many opponents alone in Tingen City, escaping unscathed from the siege of an entire team of Nighthawks. That fully showed just how formidable Sequence 5 was.
Although she had advanced to Sequence 6, she had no confidence whatsoever in defeating a heretic with such varied abilities.
"You're not Miss Escalante?"
She put on a shocked expression and asked slowly. Rustling sounds came from the living room behind her; several guests were probably leaving. As long as she stalled for enough time, there was no need for her to fight the other party head-on...
Ms. D clearly did not recognize Angel, who was wearing the Madness Ring. A faint smile appeared on her exquisite face as she said softly:
"You don't need to care who I am. As long as you disappear from my sight, I can spare your life."
Sure enough, her target was Audrey.
Angel did not know what method this Shepherd had used—perhaps Flesh Magic, perhaps some Mystical Item—to become the Escalante Audrey knew. Her goal was likely to lure Audrey here, use the same method to become her and replace her, then use her identity to approach Earl Hall, perhaps even replace the Earl...
A great many thoughts flashed through Angel's mind in an instant.
"You probably aren't that kind-hearted."
At Angel's reply, the last trace of a smile vanished from Ms. D's face.
The next second, Angel abruptly cocked