Killing Shermaine? It was impossible.

Seeing that Dave was safe, Shermaine swiftly relocated.

Judy’s men couldn’t pinpoint Shermaine’s location, and the mutant remained locked in combat with Joshua.

Judy’s plan had been flawless, yet it failed spectacularly. Shermaine seemed to have anticipated every move, leaving Judy scrambling.

Dave escaped. While others couldn’t find Shermaine, Dave had no trouble. After over a year apart, Dave was overjoyed. It landed on Shermaine’s head, tearful with relief. “Sheary, you finally came for me!”

Shermaine teased, “Saving you was just a side mission.”

Dave shook its head stubbornly, certain she had come specifically for it.

Shermaine raised her binoculars, observing Joshua.

The mutant outmatched him in speed and strength, yet Joshua grew stronger with each exchange.

Dave, utterly unconcerned about Joshua, plopped onto the binoculars, blocking Shermaine’s view. “Sheary, Judy was so mean.”

Shermaine lowered the lenses. “How so?”

“She locked me up and starved me. A whole year without food. Look how skinny I got,” Dave whined pitifully.

Shermaine examined it. “A bit thinner, yes.” Her eyes crinkled with amusement. “Missed fried chicken and barbecue?”

Dave nodded frantically, drooling at the thought, its stomach growling loudly.

Shermaine chuckled, “Too bad we’re in the Kingdom of Xyperia. No fried chicken here.”

Dave pouted, “Then let’s go back.” Earth’s delicacies were all it craved.

Shermaine had been waiting for this. She had doubted Dave’s capability, but now, relief washed over her.

Dave hesitated. “But…”

“But what?” Shermaine asked.

Dave rubbed its belly. “I need lots of aura stones first.”

“After we deal with Judy, eat all you want,” Shermaine said, patting its head.

Dave huffed, “Good! She deserves a beating.”

Just then, a deafening explosion erupted from Joshua’s direction.

Shermaine shoved Dave aside and snatched up the binoculars. Through the smoke, she saw blood dripping from Joshua’s arm. Her expression darkened as she pulled out a sniper rifle – loaded not with bullets, but a custom serum.

The mutant, sensing he was going to lose control, gulped down a stabilizing potion.

At the same time, Shermaine fired. The syringe struck the mutant’s neck.

Two conflicting serums surged through the mutant’s veins. Agony tore through its skull.

Seizing the opening, Joshua slit the mutant’s throat and then vanished into chaos.

After that, Judy searched frantically but couldn’t locate their hideout. She ordered city-wide house raids, plunging Summerbank into chaos.

Fury burned in Judy’s chest.

Harry spoke cautiously, “Princess Judy, I suspect a traitor.”

Judy’s face darkened. “Impossible. My royal advisors are loyal.”

“But only they knew the plan. If Shermaine and Joshua were prepared, someone must have warned them.”

“Investigate.”

“Yes.”

With Dave gone, Judy had lost her greatest bargaining chip. Exhausted, she slumped into her chair, knowing Shermaine’s next target would be Apocalypse or the city defense map.

Meanwhile, atop a mountain, Dave was nibbling on an aura stone like a snack before diving into the lake, swimming freely like a fish.

Inside the lakeside villa, lights glowed warmly. The scent of antiseptic filled the air.

Shermaine tended to Joshua’s wound, a deep gash requiring stitches. After administering local anesthesia, she began suturing.

Joshua brushed her cheek with his uninjured hand. “Your hands are shaking.”

Shermaine kept a straight face. “You’re imagining things. Move again, and I’ll leave you alone.”

Joshua chuckled. “Yes, Dr. Jean. I’ll behave.”

Shermaine rolled her eyes but smiled. Twenty minutes later, the stitches were done. She dampened a towel to clean the dried blood stains from his arm.

Joshua caught her wrist. “Sheary, I need a bath. Help me?” His meaning was unmistakable.