Chapter 52

We followed the woman through the winding halls of the museum. Every step echoed in the cavernous space, a constant reminder of how exposed we were.

"We have to get out of here quickly!" the woman said sharply, her eyes scanning every shadow. "This entire area is infested with assassins."

Mama clutched me tighter. "You mean the museum?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"No," the woman replied, her expression grim. "The entire block. This was a well-planned operation to take you down. Where is Mister Xavier?"

Mama's eyes widened. "He said he had some work... Could it be—?"

"Yes," the woman interrupted. "He was lured away from you on purpose."

Mama frantically pulled out her phone, her hands shaking. "T-There's no signal!"

"Of course not," the woman said with a sigh. "They've likely jammed all communication. For now, we need to focus on getting you out of this museum. That's our first priority."

She led the way, but just as she spoke, a shadow fell from above.

CRASH!

An assassin broke through the ceiling, lunging straight for Mama and me. Time seemed to freeze as his blade gleamed in the dim light, aimed at us with deadly precision.

But the woman was faster. In one fluid motion, she unsheathed her sword and skewered the assassin mid-air, sending him flying across the room. He hit the wall with a sickening thud and slid to the ground, lifeless.

"Argh, these parasites," she muttered, landing gracefully and turning to us. "Keep moving!"

We ran as fast as we could, though Mama was struggling to keep up. I clung tightly to her, wishing for once that she had magic to protect herself.

Soon, we reached a large hall, just a few rooms away from the exit. Relief was within reach—until we saw them.

An entire line of assassins stood blocking our path, their weapons gleaming menacingly. The woman stepped in front of us, her sword raised. Her breathing was labored, and I could see the strain in her movements, but her resolve never faltered.

"Stay behind me," she ordered, her voice firm.

And then, like a hurricane, she attacked.

Her blade moved like a blur, slicing through one assassin after another. The clash of steel echoed in the air as she danced through the crowd, her every strike precise and deadly.

But then, it happened.

A massive figure emerged from the shadows, moving with a calm confidence that sent a chill down my spine.

The man was enormous, towering even taller than the museum's entrance gate. His muscles rippled under his black combat suit, and his face was twisted into a cruel smirk.

As the woman dispatched another assassin, the giant stepped forward and delivered a devastating punch to her face. The impact was so powerful it sent her flying across the hall. She crashed into the far wall with a sickening crack, slumping to the ground.

The room fell silent.

"I made sure that every S-rank hero and Alfred Xavier himself was far from this place," the giant said, his deep voice rumbling like thunder. "Yet here you are, a little rat meddling in my plans."

The woman groaned, forcing herself to her feet. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, but her eyes burned with defiance.

"You still have the guts to stand?" the giant sneered. "No matter. After I deal with you, I'll take care of these two and make you my prize for the night."

The woman didn't hesitate. She charged at him with all her remaining strength, her blade aimed straight for his heart.

But she was too slow. The accumulated fatigue from fighting the other assassins had taken its toll.

The giant caught her sword with his bare hand and delivered another punch. She managed to block it with her arms, but the force shattered the bones in her forearms. She cried out in pain as she collapsed to the ground, barely clinging to consciousness.

I felt Mama's arms tighten around me as she tried to shield me from the terrifying sight. My heart pounded in my chest.

If this woman can't win... then it's up to me.

I glanced at Mama's pale face, then at the woman lying broken on the floor. She was still fighting to stay awake, but her body was at its limit.

I clenched my fists.

If I use my powers now, Mama might believe it's a miracle. The woman might not even remember what happened in her current state. But the assassins...

My gaze shifted to the giant and the remaining assassins watching the scene unfold.

They'll know something is wrong. Especially that S-rank brute.

And then, an idea struck me.

I smiled. A wide, dangerous grin spread across my face.

All I have to do is make sure none of them leave this place alive.

My magic began to swirl around me, invisible to anyone who couldn't sense it. It was dark, powerful, and full of intent.

You dare to threaten my Mama? You dare to make her afraid?

I licked my lips, my small body trembling with excitement.

You've made a terrible mistake. Now, you're going to pay.