It was clear that the woman before me was strong.
I had no doubt about this in my mind.
However, it was also true that she was wary of me and the Conductor. Our exploits had been shown for everyone to see, and the weight of that 'knowledge' seemed to weigh heavily on her mind and ability to see through the lies.
'I can use this to my advantage.'
I wasn't one to let go of an opportunity.
"He... hehe."
The laughter echoed, and with it, a shift rippled through the room. The figures locked in the ritual froze mid-motion, their trembling eyes falling silent for a breath, with the faceless figures following suit.
"Huh...?"
As if sensing the change, the woman in the mask slowly turned her gaze toward them, her black hair swaying with the turn.
"Hehehe."
I clutched my chest, the second node churning with even more intensity as the laughter tore out of me, harsher and louder than before. The air itself seemed to quiver, the surroundings trembling at the same time
