Werther did not take the chance to close in. He could feel Charlotte Launi's presence growing stronger.
Charlotte Launi's entire body flushed a deep Red-Haired, as though engorged with blood. A few seconds later, the color faded, but several defined muscles had appeared on her once-flat stomach.
Charlotte Launi opened her eyes. A pale Red-Haired dot appeared at the center of each pupil. She coated both hands in Armament Haki and charged Werther.
Werther watched Charlotte Launi rush toward him. Her Speed was decent, but only somewhat greater than Apollo Berna's. He advanced with his swords, intending to see what had changed.
The instant fist met sword, tremendous force surged through Werther's blade and sent him flying.
Werther was unhurt, but his arms ached as he flew through the air.
He judged where he would land and threw one sword ahead, driving it into the ground. He planted his feet on the blade and released a massive burst of Lightning through the sword and the earth beneath it, stopping his backward flight.
Werther landed steadily, astonished. Was this a Devil Fruit ability? What kind of fruit could increase her strength so dramatically? And why hadn't Charlotte Launi used it from the start?
His expression turned grave. A direct hit from Charlotte Launi now would seriously injure him. She was simply too strong.
He looked up at her. Both her hands were covered in blood. Her Armament Haki was not strong enough to defend against his slashes.
Once Werther saw that, the fight seemed much simpler. At her Speed, Charlotte Launi might as well have been a turtle; he could finish her in moments. Still, he had to watch out for any other strange abilities she might have.
Werther used Flash to appear behind Charlotte Launi, letting both swords hang naturally