In Terra, a Hunter and a Bad Woman

After finishing all that, Maria weighed the energy crystal, something exceptionally unfamiliar to her. After thinking for a while, she placed it on the belt at her waist, silently turned around, and chose to leave.

Texas wanted to follow, but Maria stopped her with a look.

No!

These people's attitude once again made Maria realize how this world viewed so-called Oripathy.

She was only possibly infected, yet they were already looking at her as if she were dead.

That suspicion and wariness chilled her heart a little.

But it wasn't something she couldn't bear.

Texas couldn't, though.

She didn't care because she was certain she'd never be infected by any so-called Oripathy. Even if rumors spread, she'd only be living in this city for a while before leaving.

There was absolutely no need to care.

But Texas was different.

If strange rumors started spreading about her, it would become difficult for the girl to live in this place.

So Maria decisively stopped her from approaching and joining up with her.

She left alone in silence...

By the time Texas found Maria again, Maria was standing alone and quietly in a secluded alley.

One side of her clothing had slipped down, exposing her smooth, flawless shoulder.

Her snow-white skin was tinged with a faint pink, like the most enticing blush at the tip of a peach.

Soft, smooth, and utterly alluring.

"You're here?"

Seeing Texas catch up, Maria shook her head, then turned sideways.

Blood from the old Blood Vial slowly poured over her body.

Her greedy flesh rapidly devoured the processed blood. In the blink of an eye, the horrifying penetrating wound had healed.

"Are you... all right?"

Texas hesitated as she looked at Maria before her. She had never seen this ability of Maria's before, so she was especially astonished upon seeing it.

And judging by the way she devoured blood...

Could Maria actually be a Sarkaz Blood Demon?

"How's the situation over there?"

Without answering Texas's question, Maria confirmed that her wound had healed and began dressing herself at an unhurried pace with her back to Texas.

"Over there... the Lungmen Guard Department has already gone to handle it."

"Is that so..."

"They said they hoped you could go make a statement when you had time later... Though we were unquestionably not at fault, people died, and there was such a huge commotion. There still needs to be a proper procedure..."

Texas continued speaking while Maria listened silently.

When she heard that she needed to make a statement, she couldn't help letting out a sigh.

"Then... let's end today's gathering here."

"Huh."

Texas was a little dazed, but Maria simply continued.

"About your story, I'm sorry, but I can't listen to it right now. But I'm sure we'll have time later... Before then, let's deal with our own matters first."

After saying that, Maria prepared to turn and leave.

Texas frowned at that moment.

This direction... wasn't toward the Lungmen Guard Department, was it?

"Where are you... going now?"

"...Sora."

"Sora?" Texas frowned, but then she suddenly froze, understanding what Maria meant.

Maria was going to find Sora!

But why find Sora at a time like this?

Could it be...

"You mean there was more than one group that attacked Sora?"

"I don't know what their plan or objective is, but if it were me, I'd definitely continue acting. Someone attacking the target has already been exposed, and the target's defenses will only become tighter from now on. The best choice is to grit your teeth and keep going."

As Maria spoke, she finished dressing and turned to face Texas.

"Then Miss Sora is still in danger... How capable is she in a fight?"

"Well..." Texas hesitated.

She didn't want to put it too harshly, but... Sora really had tried very hard.

It was just that compared to warriors like them, who had been trained since childhood, there was still a huge gap.

If she had to put it simply, it was the difference between an amateur and a professional.

"But Blacksteel International is protecting the concert venue... It should be fine, right?"

Texas tried to reassure herself.

But Maria shook her head.

"Things should remain under your control. Unless there's no other choice, don't believe anyone who says something is absolute."

With that, Maria continued walking silently.

After freezing for a moment, Texas gritted her teeth and followed.

"I'm coming with you!"

"..."

Maria didn't speak, only looking at the girl before her.

"Sora is my companion too... I want to protect her as well..."

Facing the oppressive gaze hidden beneath the brim of Maria's hat, Texas was nervous. Still, after swallowing, she spoke earnestly.

After all, she had spent several years with Sora too. She didn't want anything to happen to her.

Seeing Texas state her resolve like this, Maria silently nodded.

"All right..."

Texas's face brightened at the permission.

"Then..."

"Then go to her first. I'll track down the others."

"Huh?" Texas froze, having thought she would be able to act alongside Maria.

But Maria continued speaking at the same unhurried pace.

"There were several people over there just now... They all got away."

"Though I don't think someone willing to blow themselves up would be an important figure, they should know something."

"Since you're willing to help, this works out perfectly. You'll be responsible for Miss Sora's safety, and I'll investigate those people's origins and motives."

"Is there any problem with that division of work?"

Maria turned her head and asked quietly.

After hesitating for a few moments, Texas silently nodded.

"No problem."

After all, in Texas's hometown, the place called Siracusa, Maria couldn't have earned that kind of reputation through empty boasting alone.

Her strength was the foundation behind it.

Since Maria was going to pursue the targets, there was no need for Texas to keep following her.

It was just...

Looking up at Maria's retreating back, Texas clenched her fists.

I still haven't satisfied you, have I...

Someone

"Ha... ha... ha..."

"Damn it, damn it!"

"Where did that woman come from?!"

After fleeing in disarray to an empty corner, the men in coats were pale-faced, their words filled with unrestrained complaints and curses.

They were all cursing Maria.

"If it hadn't been for that person suddenly showing up, we would've succeeded already..."

One man snarled with an ugly expression, while the others showed the relief of those who had survived a disaster.

Only now did they dare act arrogant.

That fear spreading up from the depths of their hearts when they faced Maria just now had been real.

They truly feared that woman who had appeared out of nowhere.

They didn't know where that fear came from, but the bone-deep chill had made them understand that if they hadn't run then, that woman would definitely have killed them all on the spot!

After complaining for a while longer, they realized there was no use venting their emotions and gathered together to discuss what came next.

"Where's Robert?"

"Looks like he got left behind..."

"Then forget about him. He was only recruited temporarily anyway, and he wasn't useful."

The leading man held his head and took a deep breath.

"Now, is everyone else all right?"

"...Everyone's here, and no one was injured." A man with bear ears reported their current situation.

"Good... that's a relief."

Having finally heard some good news, the man's expression eased slightly, though it was still far from clear.

"This attack failed. What do we do next?"

Another bear-headed man spoke, his voice carrying some hesitation. "How about... we retreat?"

At those words, everyone fell silent.

Indeed, although retreating without completing the mission was somewhat embarrassing, there was nothing more important to people than their lives.

This sudden failure had stripped away every bit of confidence from their already uneasy hearts. They truly no longer believed they could keep going.

But the man beside them decisively shook his head.

"No!"

"..."

"They won't accept that."

Taking a deep breath, the leading man gritted his teeth and spoke.

"Those Reunion Movement people are a bunch of lunatics—real lunatics. It's not like you haven't seen it before."