Chapter 52: Unbroken Bonds

Within the swirling tendrils of smoke, the battlefield becomes a fragmented maze, separating Josue and his companions. Their paths diverge, leading them to face formidable adversaries in a dance of destiny.Rax, a fiery-haired youth adorned with an enigmatic cloak, finds himself standing against Christian and Koa, his allies temporarily out of reach. With a deep breath, Rax sheds his cloak, revealing a body marked by intricate scars, testaments to his tumultuous past.Christian, his expression a mix of surprise and confusion, stammers, "What in the world...?"Koa, his gaze fixed on Rax's scars, admits, "Those marks... They're quite unsettling."As Rax readies himself for the imminent clash, intricate tattoos adorning his right arm captivate the attention of Christian and Koa. The cryptic symbols evoke a sense of mystery, hinting at the untold depths of Rax's power."I guess things are about to get serious," Rax declares, his voice resonating with determination. "Once I'm through with you two, I'll make my way to the boss."With an imposing sword that dwarfs his own frame, Rax unleashes a radiant aura, its intensity resembling the brilliance of the sun itself. The scorching heat emanating from his weapon sears both Christian and Koa, intensifying the gravity of the impending battle.Koa grumbles, "This won't be an easy fight. Don't slow me down."Christian, his resolve unwavering, retorts, "The feeling's mutual."Harnessing the power within, Christian powers up as lightning envolops his body giving the shape of a beast claws on both his hands and feet. Simultaneously, Koa releases one of his limiters, a surge of vitality coursing through his body, mending the burns inflicted by Rax's weapon. "Limiter of Life Release!"With newfound strength, Koa acknowledges, "By releasing this limiter, I can fight without the burden of heat. But this form has its limitations, so we must finish this swiftly."A smirk crosses Christian's face as he confidently states, "No problem at all."Meanwhile, Lt. Campos, Quin, and Eve confront the enigmatic Lucy in a separate encounter.Lucy, seemingly indifferent, reclines motionless, as though in slumber, while her adversaries gaze upon her intently. It appears that Lucy underestimates her opponents, paying little heed to the impending confrontation.Lt. Campos, noticing Lucy's nonchalant demeanor, remarks, "She doesn't seem to take us seriously."Quin agrees, her voice tinged with concern, "That seems to be the case. Eve, are you ready?"Eve, although not renowned for her combat prowess, offers her support willingly. With closed eyes and outstretched hands, she connects with Quin and Lt. Campos telepathically."Now the two of you can synchronize your movements mentally," Eve conveys through their shared thoughts. "This should enhance your coordination and provide an advantage."Lucy remains unperturbed, still unmoving in her apparent slumber. Yet, a sudden flicker in her eyes reveals a newfound alertness as she sniffs the air, deciphering amidst the haze.Rising from her prone position, Lucy stretches lazily, a yawn escaping her lips. "Ah, the scent of charred flesh... It seems Rax is having some fun. I should join in since you girls don't seem to be much of a challenge."Lt. Campos, maintaining her composure, challenges Lucy, "Is that so? You seem quite confident."Lucy, stretching casually, responds, "It's not confidence, dear lieutenant. It's a matter of fact." She continues to stretch, her words punctuated by casual movements. "You see, I possess exceptional hearing. Thus, I overheard your comrades referring to you as a lieutenant. Based on that alone, I can confidently assert that you lack the strength to challenge me."Lt. Campos, her annoyance evident, meets Lucy's gaze while she stretches. "Is that what you think?"With an air of superiority, Lucy asserts, "Oh, it's not just a thought; it's a reality." She maintains her stretch, displaying an aura of nonchalance. "Moreover, the young lady behind you is no warrior, rendering her inconsequential. Your only hope lies with the Lee Clan girl. However, I'm well-versed in the customs of the Lee Clan. While women can learn martial arts, their bodies cannot bear the toll of the limiter technique."Lucy's words strike a chord within Quin, her expression revealing a mixture of vulnerability and determination.Lt. Campos, masking her concern, questions, "Is that true?"Quin's voice carries a hint of disappointment as she answers, "Yes, it is. The limiter technique exacts an immense toll on the body, rendering it irreparably damaged over time. Only the top martial artists of our clan, like my brother, can effectively wield this technique in battle. Currently, only three individuals in our clan possess that level of proficiency. As for women, employing the technique risks not only ruining their bodies but potentially depriving them of the ability to bear children."Lt. Campos and Eve exchange surprised glances, their realization dawning upon them.Quin continues, her voice tinged with sorrow, "Due to these circumstances, women were forbidden from employing the limiter technique."Lucy, finished with her stretching routine, smirks. "Ah, yes! Your traditions bind you, restrict you. Accept your defeat. The three of you cannot hope to defeat me. I shall now seek more entertaining prey."Lucy turns her back to the trio, leisurely sauntering away. But the moment her foot touches the ground, Quin materializes before her, delivering a powerful kick to the underside of Lucy's chin, propelling her backward and crashing onto the ground.Quin declares, "Limiter of Speed, released."Lucy rises to her feet, a trickle of blood staining her lip as she adjusts her neck.Quin stands resolute, her voice resonating with determination, "You were correct in your assessment. However, I relinquished my claim to womanhood long ago." A fleeting memory of Quin and her brother's tears as children flashes through her mind. "I refuse to let my brother face the world alone. I will stand beside him every step of the way."Lucy, impressed, exclaims, "Marvelous! It seems you possess a backbone, woman!"As the tension unfolds, Josue confronts Harrison, Colonel Johnston, and Captain Jackson in a separate battleground.Apologetic, Captain Jackson explains, "I won't be of much help, as I must maintain the smokescreen."Colonel Johnston reassures him, "No need to worry. The priest and I can handle this."Harrison, his countenance darkening, asserts, "It's time to get serious."Colonel Johnston and Harrison ready themselves, their eyes locked on Josue, while the latter observes from a vantage point.Josue extends his palms, a declaration echoing through the air, "I shall obliterate all of you."