End

Shalnark finally could not resist making a move when he saw Tonpa happen to toss the Pure Gold Crown toward the Human Puppet.

In terms of "combat," this was not a good time to act. It was even terrible.

But in terms of "need," the Pure Gold Crown flying straight at him gave Shalnark every reason to intervene.

"I should have first 'confirmed' how to leave this place... It is a pity I failed to promptly tell Sheila that we needed to 'seek outside help.'"

"Now that I have the Pure Gold Crown, although it is a little backwards, this is what I hope for in my heart."

Shalnark's thoughts turned as he calmly faced the pressure Ryan exerted on him.

The Enhancer before him was above average in both combat skill and Manifestation Aura strength.

He was undoubtedly an expert tempered through life-and-death battles.

But compared to Uvogin, who was also an Enhancer in the troupe, there was still quite a gap.

That being said...

The type Shalnark hated dealing with most was Enhancers like Uvogin.

Their exceptional offense and defense made it harder for him to plant an Antenna, while also increasing the risk he had to bear when doing so.

"Then I'll kite him for a while."

Controlling the Human Puppet as it ran toward the Armor Men and Head-Holding Human Statues gathering nearby, Shalnark had no intention of confronting Ryan head-on and remained in a passive state of evasion.

Ryan saw through Shalnark's intentions.

He did not pursue the Human Puppet. On one hand, he did not want to voluntarily enter the encirclement of the Armor Men and Head-Holding Human Statues under these circumstances. On the other, it was common sense when dealing with Manipulators.

Once the controller was dealt with, the puppet under control would