Chapter 85: Zhang Fan's Bargain

Swift as lightning, Katz barely managed to deflect Zhang Fan's assault with her short sword. However, engaging Katz wasn't Zhang Fan's primary intent. As their blades clashed, sending sparks flying, he quickly aimed his gun at the witch Demetra and fired.

Despite the formidable power of his .44 Magnum revolver, a prepared opponent could still dodge it. But Zhang Fan's shooting speed was astonishingly rapid, catching Demetra off guard. She had calculated an escape route, but before she could execute it, a bullet was already upon her. In a flash, an ice wall materialized, just barely deflecting the bullet's trajectory.

Though the ice wall couldn't fully stop the bullet, it delayed its impact enough for Demetra to narrowly evade. Slightly disheveled but safe, she glared at Zhang Fan, unaccustomed to such a close call. Analyzing the situation, she was stunned to find Katz, a standout in the German Witch Corps and a direct descendant of Hitler, being overpowered by Zhang Fan. She wondered if her eyes were deceiving her.

Zhang Fan, wielding both his Huashan Sword and Tai Yue San Qing Feng skills, didn't hold back. Katz, lacking Hilda's immortality, was already wounded, her black robe stained with blood. Overwhelmed by Zhang Fan's might, she felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness. Her usual pride and power were rendered useless against him.

In truth, Zhang Fan was being merciful. Had he chosen to, Katz would have been dead by now. But Zhang Fan saw potential in her and considered recruiting her to his team. His team already included Bai Xue, Li Zi, and Lei Ji, with Aria and Demetra as potential members. However, he had no intention of including Mea, the Vatican's exorcist, whose temperament was too violent and intolerant for his liking.

Sensing the tide turning, Demetra prepared to aid Katz. But before she could act, a sniper's bullet, courtesy of Lei Ji, struck the floor, warning her not to interfere. Demetra sought cover, realizing she wouldn't be able to assist Katz without exposing herself to the sniper. Resigned to her fate, she decided to surrender the crime syndicate's incriminating evidence in exchange for their safe departure.

"Is that all you ask?" Demetra was incredulous at Zhang Fan's terms. He merely wanted the evidence, allowing them to leave unharmed. To her, the loss of the evidence was a small price to pay for their lives.

"Of course. Or did you have something else in mind?" Zhang Fan approached Demetra, their faces merely inches apart. Unaccustomed to such proximity to a man, Demetra blushed despite her usual icy demeanor.

"I accept your terms," she replied, turning her head away, unable to meet his gaze.

"Then we have an agreement," Zhang Fan said, intrigued by her reaction.

Just then, Mea's voice rang out. She had abandoned her fight with Hilda and was now charging at the unconscious Katz, intent on fulfilling her divine duty of eradication.

Zhang Fan reacted instantly, intercepting Mea's attack just as her sword neared Katz's face. The tension was palpable as he blocked her strike with his sword.

"What are you doing, Zhang Fan?" Mea demanded, infuriated by his intervention.

"Why, it seems I've been betrayed by my own ally," Katz muttered, dazed and disoriented on the ground.