Chen Xi shot into the fight between the two like a pitch-black phantom.
Before Todds could react, she had already used the shadows to snatch Cecilia, who had been standing frozen in place.
Ten Thousand Jun of thunder crashed down where the two had been, shaving a full third off the muddy ground.
"...Who are you?" Todds asked, baffled as he stared at the shadowy monster that had suddenly appeared.
He didn't remember any Third Rank peak rat like her in the North Wind Territory.
Though puzzled, Todds didn't stop controlling the fierce lightning in his hands.
Cecilia, held in Chen Xi's arms, was barely breathing. She asked softly, "May I ask who you are?"
"Crow Brigade. Ghost Shadow."
Hidden beneath her shadow armor, Chen Xi's voice sounded muffled and hoarse.
As she answered Cecilia's question, Chen Xi twisted and darted through the air, dodging Todds's pursuit with lightning.
Fortunately, Lin Yue had just poured most of her magic into the armor in one go, then severed their connection and left Chen Xi in complete control of it.
Shadows spread from Chen Xi's body and coiled around tree trunks like chains.
Using them as leverage, she swung through the Resting Forest with agile, graceful movements.
Chen Xi reacted quickly. Even in his desperation, Todds couldn't so much as graze her clothes.
As Chen Xi raced away, Lin Yue's voice rang without warning in her mind. "If Todds does this later..."
After hearing her out, the black-haired girl's eyes lit up slightly. Then she quietly replied, "Mm."
Todds watched as the humanoid mass of shadows effortlessly threaded its way through the cage of lightning, untouched by a single leaf.
"Damn it, where did this helper come from..." Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.
"How could anyone possibly help this monster?"
Todds