At the very instant Sakika assumed her draw-cut stance, a chill far deeper than any visual impact, like an invisible spider web, shrouded Ange.
This sensation was entirely different from Ingrid’s primordial, beast-like pure power, or Huayin’s searing flames that could incinerate matter.
A flicker of astonishment flashed deep within Ange’s violet eyes.
If Ingrid and Huayin relied purely on their extraordinary bloodline instincts, wielding their power like infants flailing heavy toys, then this seemingly reserved black-haired girl before her had already, with her slender fingers, gently pushed open the door to the very depths of her bloodline’s origin.
An intangible yet real thread of magical power was emanating from Sakika, spreading out like greedy roots, attempting to burrow into Ange’s body.
Ange could clearly sense that some kind of “energy” deep within her—perhaps stamina, perhaps vitality—was being silently extracted and absorbed by this force.
Power of Mammon… Authority of Greed…
Ange instantly understood the essence of this power. Her heart trembled.
This girl, who seemed so ordinary, so much like a Model Honor Student, had managed—without any guidance—to master the power derived from the Seven Demon Kings of Hell to such an extent.
She wasn’t crudely plundering, but instead engaging in a far more efficient form of theft.
Not only that, Ange also immediately saw through Sakika’s fighting style.
Mammon’s bloodline had not given her Behemoth’s might or the Phoenix’s flames, but had instead etched speed and precision into her very bones.
She had abandoned brute force, choosing to focus all her power into a single point, relying on swiftness and not inconsiderable strength, pursuing a one-hit kill.
Clang!
The sound of the Katana leaving its sheath was pure and lingering.
A red arc of blade-light tore through the gap between the two, shooting straight at Ange with a speed that exceeded the limits of the naked eye.
To an ordinary onlooker, there might only be a fleeting afterimage.
She can’t hold back any longer.
Ange growled inwardly, forcefully suppressing the restless Magic Mark that began to stir as she used her power, and roused the filthy blood of Beelzebub within her.
A scorching, devouring power instantly flooded her limbs and bones. Her dynamic vision, neural reflexes, and even muscle strength all surged in a split second.
The once-blurred arc of the blade became crystal clear to her eyes. She could even catch the subtle tremors of the katana slicing through the air.
Since she had invoked this troublesome power, she had to finish the fight quickly.
Facing the deadly thrust hurtling toward her, Ange’s left hand gripped the Gunblade and, with perfect timing, slashed upward in a precise diagonal sweep.
The Gunblade’s blade crashed hard against the spine of the katana, and the enormous force instantly knocked the focused blade-light off its course, letting it skim past Ange’s shoulder.
And at the exact moment the katana was deflected, Ange’s right hand thrust the Gunblade forward—not in a slash, but with the pinpoint precision of a Surgical Knife.
The tip of the blade, carrying a hint of killing intent, was aimed straight at the vulnerable, pale neck of Sakika.
To ensure Sakika would accept the outcome, Ange controlled her strength with absolute precision.
The edge of the Gunblade halted the instant it touched skin, piercing only a millimeter deep—just enough to break the surface and let a single crimson Blood Bead well out, but not a fraction further.
Time in both girls’ eyes returned to its normal flow.
Sakika’s forward momentum halted abruptly. She could distinctly feel the icy touch and slight sting on her neck.
Slowly, she sheathed her katana, her left hand still gripping the scabbard. Raising her right hand, she gently traced the wound on her neck with her fingertip.
Her fingertip was stained with her own bright red blood.
For the first time, a ripple flickered in her always calm, cool black eyes.
With no trace of hesitation or resentment, Sakika restored the katana to its Briefcase form, then stepped back and bowed deeply and solemnly to Ange.
“Thank you for not stabbing deeper due to my overstep.” Her voice was still calm.
Whether it was respect, Ange couldn’t tell.
Yet now, the backlash from invoking Beelzebub’s blood struck.
The Magic Mark on her lower abdomen flared up like ice dropped into boiling oil, erupting into an uncontrollable heat and itch.
That familiar torrent of desire, threatening to swallow her reason, began to well up inside her.
“Ugh…” She forced out a barely suppressed groan, cold sweat instantly breaking out along her brow.
She had to leave immediately! Before she lost control completely, she needed to hide in the only place where she could solve this problem—the Safehouse, the Restroom!
She didn’t even have time to respond to Sakika. Clinging to a facade of composure, she managed to blurt out quickly to Sakika and the spectating Ingrid and Huayin,
“You guys… get to know each other first.” Then, her steps unsteady and nearly stumbling, she dashed off into the Dormitory.
Ingrid watched Ange’s hurried retreat with a touch of confusion, but still dutifully stepped forward and gave Sakika a friendly smile.
“Hello, Sakika. I’m Ingrid Beltans. Welcome!”
Sakika straightened, glanced at Ingrid, then at the direction Ange had disappeared.
A hint of puzzlement flickered in her black eyes, but she still replied politely.
“Hello, Ingrid.”
Elsewhere, Huayin, who had been leaning against the Dormitory door and witnessed everything, wore a teasing, knowing smile.
She watched Ange’s almost panicked escape, completely aware of what she was up to.
“Can’t hold it in already? Heh, what a useless Teacher…”
With that, she ran her fingers through her fiery red hair, then casually followed, unhurried.
Her destination was unmistakably the Restroom as well, and the playful smile on her face grew ever more pronounced.