Raising My Hand Isn't an Apology. It's Surrender.

Sakura gripped the Demon Blade and broke into Remiel Dan's domain with a single step.

Time congealed around her, slowing her movements—but in an instant, Sakura had made a rough assessment. Her opponent was powerful, but badly weakened.

Sakura immediately drew on her power. A cold gleam flashed, and with a single stroke of [Setsuna], she severed time once more.

Crack!

The instant the domain shattered, a spray of crimson burst forth like blood raining upward. A horrifying wound appeared across Remiel Dan's body, running from her left shoulder to her right ribs.

The next moment, Remiel Dan spoke.

"What an incredible blade! I surrender."

"You're very weak right now. At full strength, you wouldn't have lost so easily."

Sakura withdrew her blade and stood with its tip resting against the ground. She did not attack again.

Remiel Dan clutched the wound on her chest and staggered back two steps. Her black wings slowly folded, and the gray-white domain faded with them. She looked at Griseo and said:

"Little girl, you win. Ask whatever you want."

Griseo watched Remiel Dan and only let down her guard once she was sure Remiel Dan had truly stopped resisting.

That wariness was understandable. From Griseo's perspective...

Remiel Dan had been connected to the two Ethereals that had attacked earlier. Griseo had suspected she had sent them. But now, that no longer seemed to be the case.

"Dan, I'm asking the same thing as before. Hand over [Taumiel]!"

Remiel Dan fell silent for a moment, then shook her head. "Little girl, [Taumiel] isn't on me. I sealed it away before I went to sleep."

"??..."

Griseo studied Remiel Dan, a thoughtful look flashing through her eyes. She wasn't lying!

But if that was true, how was she wielding the Authority of [Time]?

"Little girl,