Her Rebirth of Retribution

At that very moment, Calista was sprinting with every ounce of strength she had.

The landscape was engulfed in flames, as though the whole mountain had been set ablaze. Vast plumes of smoke rose, casting the sky in ominous tones of crimson and black.

Calista did not know the identity of those seeking to eliminate Uriah, yet she was firmly convinced of one truth-irrespective of their identity, they could not be trusted.

Her continued existence was now entirely reliant on her own resourcefulness and resilience. Despite the temporary numbing of the pain from her leg wound, Calista found she could still run. Nevertheless, the reality of her injury impeded her; no matter how swift her pace, she could never outpace an unscathed assassin.

She had just neutralized two adversaries, yet two more pursued her relentlessly. These remaining foes were tenacious, akin to maggots burrowing into bone, determined to bring about her downfall.

She could not afford to merely sit back and accept her fate. As dizziness began to cloud her vision, a creeping dread took hold in Calista's heart-she was feeling the effects of the drug that had been administered to her earlier.

Amidst this crisis, she was being actively hunted. Desperately fighting the encroaching vertigo, she sought refuge and a momentary hiding spot.

"Where did she go? That woman is truly remarkable! Even with her injuries, she's incredibly fast!" one voice remarked in the distance.

"Don't wander too far," another cautioned sternly. "That woman is dangerous. I just witnessed her break Ray's neck with nothing but her bare hands! She's no mere woman!"

"Hmph, Ray was always led astray by his desires. It was only a matter of time before his downfall would be brought about by a woman."

"Stay alert. Our communication lines are down, and we're blind to the events unfolding lower down the mountain. Once she's dealt with, we must make our escape immediately!"

Camouflaged within a small depression in the ground, Calista's body was smeared with mud, blending her into her surroundings. The soil provided an excellent disguise, although her head felt increasingly heavy, as if she might succumb to sleep at any minute.

No, I can't let that happen! I have to pass on the password. If I don't, all those people will die, and my journey here would be all for naught!

Moreover, the military district is alarmingly close to the refugee camp. If Kallum's there...

A bitter chuckle escaped Calista.

Oh, Calista. Kallum has given up on you. Though it was for a noble cause, his decision has been made. Such fragile affection... it never ran as deep as he claimed. Why are you still thinking about him?

By then, the two men had closed in on her location. Hidden in a muddy hollow, she observed their cautious maneuvers, her heart racing, her gaze icy and alert.

I can't afford to die, not with so much left unfinished.

Just then, a rabbit darted into the bushes nearby. The men, mistaking the sound for Calista, spun around abruptly.

One stood guard while the other, armed with a gun, moved toward the bushes.

This is my chance!

A predatory gleam sparked in Calista's eyes. Despite her numerous injuries, if she passively awaited capture, her end would be certain. However, she now saw an opening.

The man was about twenty meters away-within striking distance. She could take her shot!

Calista raised her gun, aiming at the man whose back was turned, completely absorbed in his guard duty. The double vision plaguing her only worsened. She bit down on her tongue and pulled the trigger With a loud bang. Without waiting to see if she had hit her target, she swiftly rolled into another patch of grass.

Despite her speed, the assassin, alerted by the gunshot, quickly traced her movements and caught up almost instantaneously.

He fired two shots, both missing their target, then advanced a few steps before Calista, leaping from a tree, seized his head and disarmed him. The adversary was skilled. Though Calista was formidable, he managed to retaliate, knocking the gun from her hand and drawing his dagger.

Seizing the moment, Calista lunged, needle in hand, aiming for his neck. Drained of energy, the effects of her attack were minimal, but she did not relent. Anticipating his next move, she fiercely bit into his neck. The numbness in his limbs caused by her initial assault allowed her to overpower him, and he collapsed.

He reacted with a desperate thrust

of his dagger, In a display of

F

extraordinary ferocity, Calista grabbed his knife-wielding hand, refusing to loosen her grip even as blood surged from the wound. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

The man, realizing the imminent danger, freed his other hand and began to strike her. Each blow was punishing, but Calista, driven by a primaturge to survive, clamped her teeth tighter around his neck her

grip unyielding.

No matter how madly he pounded on her or pulled her hair, she remained unmoved, biting down on his neck while clinging onto the hand that wielded the dagger.

It was a battle for survival with no room for a third outcome.

I can't die here. My enemies, my hatred, and my very life are at stake!

Fueled by these thoughts, her bite intensified, gradually diminishing the force of his blows until she had fully immobilized the hand with the dagger.