It was—shock.
For an instant, it felt as though time itself had stopped. An explosive roar that cracked the peace of ordinary life apart, and before I knew it, my fist was driving merciless violence straight into the girl’s face.
Had anyone expected things to unfold like this?
At the very least, neither of the other two had. In the scenery flowing past in slow motion, I could vividly see the process of my younger sister’s face filling with astonishment.
Her mouth falling open, her pupils dilating, her upper body unconsciously leaning forward.
On the other hand, I couldn’t read the expression of the girl standing opposite me. The reason was simple: my fist was smashing squarely into her face.
All I could hear was the sound of bone and flesh crumpling.
The silence did not last long.
The ensuing blast erupted, cracking the time that had seemed frozen. It took only an instant for the girl’s body, launched away like a cannonball, to slam into the wall.
Boom!
A small earthquake swept through the safe house. The pillars, walls, and objects on the shelves all rattled violently, producing an ominous harmony.…