The abandoned factory crackled with the sound of metal striking metal, the clang of forging echoing through it. The constantly flashing holy light only made the atmosphere all the more bizarre.
Hoshino watched it all from the sidelines.
This was a battle between Defenders. Yae Kasumi, provisionally classified as a Specialist Operator, still could not break through the Defender's defenses. At most, Ch'en could leap up and draw Chi Xiao, taking down both the knight and the monster together.
That obviously would not do.
The clanging continued, even taking on a rhythm.
Bronya met her gaze with cold eyes, remaining unchanged through collision after collision, as though none of this had anything to do with her.
That emotion was incredibly obvious. Even the dullest person could sense it.
She withdrew her hand.
Strangely enough, the other side pulled back at almost the exact same moment.
With her legs together, Bronya sat with the poise of a refined lady, so quiet as she looked down upon the rabble below.
Hoshino stayed close behind, trying to slip around the great shield and rescue Bronya. Naturally, she failed. After all, these were all roles she was playing. Following several brief exchanges, Hoshino quickly settled on the script for what came next.
From beginning to end, Bronya did not say a word.
When they separated for the last time, Ch'en rushed in and threw a few more slashes. She had come intending to play along, but Heavy Bunny unexpectedly knocked her flat with a shield bash. As she climbed up from the ground in a daze, Ch'en's dragon face reddened with extreme embarrassment.
Weren't we supposed to be acting?
"Leave Bronya alone."
Bronya said expressionlessly. She finally stepped down from the throne formed by its claws, floating in the air as she extended a