(The Aha boss outside the world: Who wants to see you act like a clown? I want to see you actually become a clown.)
Chinatsu immediately understood Kurumi's intention: she did not want "Welt," a being who might know the secret of the first Spirit, to vanish just yet.
"Welt" himself (the construct) seemed momentarily stunned after being hit by Dalet. He looked down at his restored "body."
He then looked up at Kurumi's main body in the distance, a barely perceptible ripple flashing in his pale golden eyes, but he remained silent.
At this moment, Kurumi's main body lightly clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention back.
Her pale face once again bore that composed, yet chilling, smile as her gaze swept over the highly vigilant Mana and her squad.
"Ara ara~ Miss Takamiya Mana, and everyone from the AST.
" Her sweet voice carried a hint of mockery, "Don't you think the current situation has become a little... crowded?"
She held up three slender fingers and lightly wiggled them in the air, as if counting some invisible ledger.
"You see, one is the esteemed 'Herrscher of Reason,' who was just 'entertained' so grandly by your side, and who only barely remains here thanks to a small gesture from this lady." She gracefully nodded toward "Welt."
"And one, of course, is myself, who came uninvited and wishes to 'exchange' a few words with all of you."
She glanced with a beaming smile at the injured clone still confronting Mana's squad.
"As for the third one..."
Her voice deliberately drew out, carrying an inscrutable depth, and her gaze, like the softest feather, swept over the entire area, seemingly unintentional yet purposeful.
It finally rested for a fleeting, negligible moment on the ice-blue haired girl who was being "protected" by the AST members and appeared panicked, before lightly moving away and refocusing on Mana's face.
(The hint is enough. Whether this young lady is real or fake, sowing this seed of doubt is enough to tie the AST's hands and force out some of your true nature, isn't it? I'm very curious.)
She didn't make any specific accusation, but that meaningful pause, that gaze that seemed to know everything, and that precise count of "three," were like a hidden mine dropped beneath a calm surface.
Kurumi's words were like a stone tossed into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand ripples in the hearts of the AST members!
They subconsciously looked more nervously at Chinatsu; although their detectors still showed no reaction, Kurumi's insinuation and the bizarre situation before them made them dare not let down their guard.
Kurumi's meaning was clear: there were three "Spirits" present—herself (main body + clone), "Welt," and the implied Chinatsu.
But what Mana and the AST members understood was: the newly appeared Kurumi (main body), the previously injured Kurumi (clone), and the rescued "Welt."
They subconsciously dismissed Chinatsu's possibility because the detectors showed no warning, and Chinatsu's behavior perfectly matched that of a frightened civilian.
Mana's face was ashen, her fingers gripping the light saber slightly white from the force. She quickly scanned the entire scene:
A Kurumi main body whose state was unknown but clearly dangerous, a watchful clone, and a "Welt" who had just withstood a blow from the "Creator Reverser."
... If these three "Spirits" attacked simultaneously, her small squad truly had slim chances of victory.
She anxiously looked at her communicator, awaiting further instructions from Ellen Mathers or the command center.
However, the communication channel was silent; Ellen's side also seemed to be assessing the sudden shift in the situation and did not immediately issue new operational orders.
The atmosphere on site became extremely eerie and tense.
The AST Unit was standing by in full readiness, yet dared not attack rashly.
Kurumi's main body was completely at ease, seemingly pleased with the standoff.
"Welt" stood silently, appearing to be recovering his strength, or perhaps observing.
Chinatsu continued to play her role as the "innocent girl," but her mind was racing to find a way to break the deadlock.
And Shido, protected by Origami behind her, watched this incredibly complex scene and felt a chilling sensation run down his spine.
Kurumi looked at the indecisive Mana, chuckled softly, and offered a "suggestion":
"It seems your commander needs time to think as well. In that case, how about we call it a day? Everyone goes their separate ways, and we 'meet' again another time?"
A stalemate had formed. And the initiative seemed to have temporarily fallen into the hands of Kurumi, who possessed "healing" ability and an advantage in information.
Everyone's gaze was focused on Mana, waiting for her decision, or rather, waiting for orders from the higher-ups.
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