Chapter 445: Gambling with Honor
[Cup] seemed to know what would happen if she let things continue, so she did not hesitate in the slightest when attacking [Lamp]. She even used up some of the energy she had reserved for the battles to come, determined to bring [Lamp] down as quickly as possible.
Yet the instant she drew close, [Lamp] had already "predicted"—or rather, foreseen—her move. Just as her left hand was about to touch [Lamp]'s arm, [Lamp] shifted away without any warning, moving at the exact instant their skin was about to meet.
Not too early, or [Cup] would notice and change her trajectory. Not too late, or there might not be enough speed to evade. The dodge had to be timed at an exquisitely precise moment, and [Lamp]'s precognitive ability allowed Them to seize that moment perfectly.
Their foresight ensured They would not fall into any trap. After just one probing attempt, [Cup] changed her method of attack. Technique was useless against [Lamp]. Even if she emptied her mind and acted on instinct, They would foresee it completely. Then there was only one option: use abilities that, even if They foresaw them, They would have no way to counter.
[Cup]'s crimson eyes lit up. Then blood vessels spread from the corners of her eyes like circuits, trailing backward. A sinister aura emanated from her body. [Heart] and [Forge], who had still retained some awareness of themselves, also underwent a change. Blood vessels spread from Their eyes, crawling from the corners to cover half Their faces, forming patterns identical to [Cup]'s.
The winds and clouds abruptly shifted. Mansus sensed [Cup]'s presence, and the lightning that had briefly subsided after [Moth]'s death gathered once more. Yet beyond the dark clouds steadily converging overhead, the sky also revealed streaks of blood-red,