Chapter 21-ALY AND SELENE

Suddenly, a small figure appeared in front of Ardeus.

BOOM!

A powerful shockwave erupted, sending him flying backward. His body crashed into the ground, rolling and skidding across the dirt with a sickening series of impacts. Smoke and dust filled the air, the combined remnants of fire and ice clashing violently. As the haze settled, his battered form became visible—his spiky blond hair matted with blood, his face disfigured, and his body riddled with injuries.

Ardeus lay motionless, groaning weakly.

A sweet, yet mischievous voice rang out.

"Hmm? What a bad guy, attacking a defenseless woman."

The tiny figure turned toward Sophia with an innocent smile.

"Hey, sister, are you okay?" she asked cutely.

Sophia, still in shock, stared at the girl. She had striking blue hair, an adorable face, and looked no older than Amy. How could someone so small unleash such terrifying power?

Before Sophia could respond, a cold, authoritative voice interrupted.

"What's going on here?"

The air grew tense as a new figure stepped forward.

"Big sister!" the little girl chirped excitedly. "I saw that guy bullying a defenseless woman!" She pointed at Ardeus, who was still sprawled on the ground.

The woman's sharp eyes landed on him before sweeping over the scene. She then turned to the nearby guards.

"What happened?" she demanded.

The guards exchanged glances before one of them, emboldened by her presence, spoke up without hesitation. He knew this woman—she wasn't someone to be crossed.

He quickly recounted the events, sparing no details.

As she listened, her golden eyes gleamed coldly.

"What an arrogant little brat," she muttered.

Without warning, she moved.

A golden aura surged around her as she appeared before Ardeus in an instant. Her blade glowed with a fierce, refined killing intent as it slashed downward.

Ardeus, barely conscious, felt the sharp edge press against his throat. A thin line of blood trickled down his neck.

He pissed himself in terror.

Just as she was about to end his life, an old man suddenly rushed forward, his chubby body bouncing awkwardly as he gasped for breath.

"Wait! Wait! Selene, please don't kill him!" he pleaded.

Selene's golden eyes flicked toward the old man, filled with disdain.

"Why not?" she asked coldly. "Trash like him deserves to die."

"Please, do me a favor! His family holds an important status—"

"Status?" Selene sneered. "In this apocalypse, status means nothing. Only strength matters."

The old man gulped, his face pale. "But… how will we keep order in the shelter if we start killing people like this?"

Selene scoffed. "Tch. If not for your pathetic excuses, I would've killed him already."

With a flick of her wrist—

SCHLICK!

A sharp scream echoed.

"AAAARGH!!!"

Blood splattered across the ground as Ardeus' hand was severed.

The detached limb landed with a dull thud nearby, still twitching.

"AHHHH! MY HAND!!!" Ardeus wailed, his face contorted in agony. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and his body trembled violently. His pants were completely soaked with urine.

Then, his body slumped to the ground. He had fainted from the pain.

The old man staggered back in horror.

"You—what are you doing, Selene?!" he stammered.

Selene wiped the blood off her blade, her face calm and indifferent.

"I spared him. That's already more mercy than he deserved."

The old man trembled but quickly forced a smile. "T-Thank you for your generosity, Lady Selene."

Turning to Ardeus' group, he barked, "Take him to the healers—now!"

His followers hesitated, their faces filled with fear. But realizing they had no choice, they rushed forward, picked up Ardeus, and carried him away.

Selene didn't spare them a second glance. She walked back toward the little girl—Aly—and turned to Van.

"Take him to the healers as well," she instructed the guards.

"Yes, Miss Selene!" one of the guards responded immediately, admiration shining in his eyes.

A voice suddenly burst with excitement from the side.

"Big sister Selene is soooo badass!"

It was Aly, her face beaming with admiration.

Another small voice spoke up. "Thank you so much!" It was Amy, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Aly waved dismissively. "Don't worry, don't worry! You're safe now!"

The survivors, including Sophia, all bowed their heads in thanks.

The guards quickly made a call, and within minutes, a group of people in white robes, holding wands and books, arrived. They were the Awakener Healers. Behind them, several muscular men followed.

Their gazes landed on Van. The healers nodded to the men, who carefully lifted his unconscious body and carried him inside.

Amy clutched her hands together anxiously. "Is he going to be okay?" she asked in a small voice.

"Don't worry," Aly assured her. "They're good healers! Their leader is Ma'am Angel herself!"

"That's right," Selene added gently. "You have nothing to fear."

She turned to the group. "Let's head inside."

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Yes, big sister!"

They walked through the gates, finally stepping into the safety of the shelter.

---

Meanwhile, in the distance…

A shadowy figure stood watching.

His cold eyes were locked onto Selene.

"Tch. That bitch… she's only acting high and mighty because of her powerful talent."

A sinister smirk curled on his lips.

"Just wait… once they arrive, we'll kill you all."

With a flicker, the figure vanished—teleporting away.