Subaru Natsuki's Stand

"Watch out, Puck!" Subaru Natsuki suddenly shouted toward Emilia.

Clang!

Weapons struck each other.

The alluring woman from earlier now held a gleaming curved blade, which she swung at Emilia's neck.

"That was close! Thanks for the warning, kid!"

A tiny cat suddenly appeared before Emilia, holding up a shield that glimmered like a snowflake.

"Hey, Puck! I knew you hadn't clocked out yet!"

Subaru gave the miniature Puck a thumbs-up. The young man and the cat acted like old friends, matching confident grins on their faces.

"Oh my, oh my. Looks like my surprise attack failed. I've never cut open a spirit's belly before. Seeing you has me quite excited!"

"Hey! Are you insane?" Felt stood to the side, staring at her other employer in disbelief.

She only wanted to make money. She had never wanted anyone dead.

A cold glint flashed through the woman's eyes.

"You sounded so sure of yourself, yet you botched the job. You can die with them."

Felt shuddered. She finally understood what Subaru had meant when he said she would get herself killed. This was clearly no simple job. Whether she succeeded or failed, she might be killed to keep her quiet.

She glanced at Subaru with gratitude. If he had not appeared, she dreaded to think what would have happened.

"So you're the one behind this. Whatever your reasons, I won't let you take that insignia. Puck, let's finish this quickly!"

"Got it!"

Magic surged around Emilia and Puck. Sharpened icicles formed rapidly in the air, then shot toward the woman like rain.

But the woman was simply too fast.

Her curved blade spun into an impenetrable blur. Neither Emilia's nor Puck's icicles could hit her.

The woman suddenly closed the distance.

"Damn it! Don't underestimate a spirit user!"

A snowflake shield