The shadow belonged to Higu Maru.
That enormous fox body cast an equally enormous shadow.
Higu Maru saw the Assault Rabbit gradually turn into quantum particles and disappear.
Seeing Bronya all alone, Higu Maru naturally wanted to ambush her.
And just as Higu Maru had expected, Xu Yanwu's words had led Bronya to decide to abandon this attempt in the Saint Mark Space for now and start over.
Especially after Xu Yanwu told her that Yae Sakura would retain some impressions, Bronya had let her guard down completely.
That had led to the scene unfolding now.
Higu Maru opened those bloodthirsty jaws wide, sank them into Bronya, and swallowed her whole.
When Yae Sakura saw what was happening, she reached out to grab Bronya, but could only watch helplessly as Higu Maru devoured her.
"Sakura! No one can save you!"
Higu Maru roared at Yae Sakura, "When you've lost all hope, when cracks appear in your heart once again... that will be when we become one for good!"
Yae Sakura sat on the ground, at a loss for words.
She seemed to have already begun to despair.
And at that moment... time began to rewind within the Saint Mark Space.
When Bronya opened her eyes, Xu Yanwu was already standing before her.
She even felt that she was in excellent shape.
Xu Yanwu smiled at Bronya, then spread his arms and hugged her. "Bronya, thank you... you did very well."
"Uncle Xu, how are the others doing now?" Bronya asked.
Xu Yanwu released her and said, "Mei and Himeko have already begun their next cycle... with their experience, it should be a little easier for them."
"Theresa and Kiana haven't reached the Sacrifice Ritual yet... but I've already contacted Theresa, and we have a plan ready... as for Kiana..."
Xu