Vice Admiral Tsuru calmly faced Bel-mère, gripping the Purification Chain she had just taken out. Although Bel-mère had endured the impact of the Seal-Cleansing Ultimate Move, purple energy quickly seeped back into her body, and the violet glow in her eyes became even more eerie.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, your ability truly is astonishing," Bel-mère said as she straightened up, an unnatural smile curling across her lips. "But this alone cannot stop evolution. Give me the chain, and you will see a broader world."
Tsuru took a slight step back, a trace of concern flashing through her eyes. Her ability was effective against the purple energy, but only temporarily. The Purple Patterns on Bel-mère's body spread again at a visible rate, recovering faster than expected.
"My duty is to protect justice, not surrender to unknown power," Tsuru said firmly. "Bel-mère, you were once an outstanding Marine. Do not let this strange energy devour your soul."
Bel-mère let out a laugh that sounded inhuman. "Soul? That is a concept of the old world. Once you experience resonance with the Void, you will understand just how limited individual existence truly is."
She suddenly sprang into action, moving with astonishing speed. Her arm became a purple afterimage as it shot straight toward Vice Admiral Tsuru. Though Tsuru reacted quickly, the difference in age still made her half a beat too slow. Just as Bel-mère was about to touch Tsuru, a flash of silver streaked past, accompanied by the sound of a blade slicing through the air.
Lin Ye appeared in front of Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Dawn Blade held crosswise between Bel-mère and Tsuru. A dazzling burst of light erupted where the blade met Bel-mère's arm.
"Sorry I'm late, Vice Admiral Tsuru," Lin Ye said in a low voice as he forced Bel-mère back.