Helene? Why did she... want to kill me?
Vice Admiral of Ailment Tracy instinctively stepped back, evading the Bone Dagger thrust at her. But "Helene's" free hand suddenly shot forward and caught the wrist holding Tracy's whip, drawing them closer like lovers.
The lethal dagger swiftly approached Tracy's still-stunned face.
Bang—
The decorative bracelet on Tracy's right hand suddenly lit up, each diamond like a star. A crisp sound like shattering glass rang out, and a translucent barrier appeared between them. The tip of the Sword of Dawn struck the obstruction, creating countless cracks, but it was unable to pierce through at once.
This was a Mystical Item with automatic defensive abilities!
Using that brief obstruction, Tracy came to her senses. She drew back her left hand, kicked off with both feet, and moved away from "Helene."
She did not immediately choose to counterattack, instead continuing to widen the distance. Disbelief remained in her eyes, along with a trace of sorrow and anger.
Those emotions rapidly transformed into visible fury. Endless black flames ignited around her, making even the candlelit captain's cabin seem illusory and terrifying.
"Who are you? Where is Helene?"
Gritting her teeth, Tracy forced out those words. She pointed forward, and the black flames swept over like a gale, rapidly engulfing "Helene" before gradually contracting and compressing.
Boom—
The black-flame tornado exploded soundlessly. "Helene" stood where she was with a cold smile, while two streams of black flame of identical appearance—but clearly belonging to opposing sides—fought and consumed each other around her.
"A Demoness of Affliction... You're the one who sank the City Breaker that day..."
Tracy's eyes widened slightly as she quickly realized the truth.
Quick reaction... Angel, who had transformed into Helene using the "Deceit" ring, chuckled inwardly. One Mystical Item after another, concealed by