Standing in the blood-soaked basement, Werther waited for Intent Blood to find its target.
"West, huh? Looks like she plans to put to sea."
Werther's figure blurred, then vanished from the basement.
By then, only one person remained to carry Hancock to safety.
"Older Sister, we'll be out of here soon. Once we reach the sea, the Thunder Swordsman won't be able to follow us."
Marigold's heavy frame moved at full speed with Hancock on her back.
"Put me down. Running like this is pointless. I want to negotiate."
Hancock's words brought Marigold to an abrupt halt.
"You're not my sister. She'd never speak like that."
Fear filled Marigold's eyes.
"Hmm? You noticed? But I am your sister. We're both Boas. Don't you recognize me?"
A sweet smile spread across Hancock's face.
"No. You're not her. She'd never make a face like that. Who are you—"
"Medusa: Stone Eyes."
Hancock's pupils turned into pink hearts as she smiled at Marigold.
"That's impossible. How could my sister..."
Petrification raced down from Marigold's head. In the blink of an eye, she had become a stone statue.
"Fool. You still wanted to run? Besides, I really am your sister."
Everything about Hancock had changed—her tone, her bearing, even her techniques. Her personality was utterly different.
Had Werther awakened some new side of her? Probably not. Hancock didn't seem broken by what he had done.
"I need to clean myself up. Looking like this won't help the negotiations. First, I have to find a way to survive."
Hancock struggled to her feet and entered a nearby house.
A few brief screams came from inside. Then silence.
Thirty seconds later, Werther arrived.
He had not chased Hancock at full speed. Intent Blood had already locked onto her, so there was no need to hurry.
"So