The shadowy man burst into another loud chuckle, the kind that echoed across the broken walls and shattered remains of the hideout like a twisted melody.
"Crush me?" he laughed mockingly, as if he'd just heard a particularly absurd joke. "You girls really are entertaining."
None of the girls responded.
They stood still, poised, their eyes locked on the man, weapons at the ready.
But no one moved.
Not even Elsa.
The blonde-haired girl's fists clenched tightly. Mana swirled faintly around her fingertips, the golden hue of light forming the outline of a new sword.
She was ready.
More than ready.
But before she could act, Emerald subtly raised a hand.
A silent signal.
Elsa gritted her teeth, her eyes flicking toward the knight in disbelief.
Seriously?
Now?
Emerald didn't look at her. Her gaze remained fixed on the man before them.
Still, the signal was clear.
Don't engage.
