A True Master

Lyra bolted into the lab, bracing herself to find the worst—she was sure she was too late, her allies likely wiped out.

But to her surprise, Valeria was still on her feet, though only just.

Valeria's once-spotless white uniform was soaked with dark red stains, her blood and her enemies' mingling together.

Her graying hair had come undone, and she wavered as she fought, using sharp, efficient movements to fend off her attackers.

Then, a shadow lunged out of the darkness, driving a blade deep into her back.

Valeria staggered, but without hesitation, she turned, summoning her superpower.

Her assailant had barely a second to gasp before his body exploded from the inside, leaving nothing but a smear of flesh and bone.

The attack and blood loss had pushed Valeria to her limit, and she dropped to one knee, her breaths coming in painful gasps.

Sensing their chance, a cluster of Peculiars charged forward.