"True name, Doom-Exorcising Adeptus."
The icy-blue sigil dissolved in the air. Sam watched in amazement as the wound on his arm healed before his eyes, returning to normal in an instant. Even the tightness in his chest from the Winter Soldier's kick vanished without a trace.
"Thank you, Qiqi."
He did not take her healing for granted just because she was young. Instead, he solemnly thanked the little girl.
"You're welcome... Qiqi... is very happy... to help."
The little girl worked hard to lift the corners of her mouth, producing a rather unpracticed smile.
Sam smiled back at her, then stood and took out his communicator.
"Calling the Assassin Squad. The Winter Soldier is on the deck southeast of you. Captain Rogers is heading your way."
A moment later, Rosaria's cool voice came through the communicator, accompanied by the anguished cries of several enemies.
"We've already run into him. Childe is playing."
"Playing?"
Rosaria's words caught Sam off guard. He met Qiqi's innocent gaze, pointed at the communicator, and asked in a hushed voice:
"What does she mean by 'playing'?"
Qiqi tilted her head and shook it.
"Exactly what it sounds like."
Rosaria supplied the explanation.
Sam wanted to ask more, but she cut off the call.
"Judgment!"
Holding her spear in both hands, Rosaria took a step back, then became a charging whirlwind as she thrust into the Hydra agents.
Thrusts, sweeps-every strike dealt frost damage.
Ice clung to the Hydra agents' wounds, slowing their attempts to dodge.
"Hah!"
"You're not getting away!" "Condemnation!"
She moved too fast for the Hydra agents to stop her. Her spear's thrusts and slashes denied them even a chance to fire.
In just a few breaths, every Hydra agent around Rosaria lay on the ground, unable to fight back.
"Hmph."
Rosaria drew back