Silence thickened.
Anastasia stood still, framed by the broken bones of the Hollow Stacks, her masked face betraying nothing. The red slits of her mask stared down the gathered Vagrant Beast Masters without a twitch.
The Mastiff at the woman's side growled low, a guttural rumble that vibrated the cracked floor.
But before the others could speak…
WHIRRR.
HAO, the Hostile Arena Operator, spun its metallic body forward with jittery excitement. Its purple-tinted metallic wings fanned wide as it circled Anastasia with unfiltered admiration.
"Oh, Blood Witch," it crooned, voice gleaming with static cheer. "HAO is a huge fan of the Judge! Such artistry, such execution! To think- one shot! Five Guardians!"
It whirled a little tighter, eager.
"Blood Bitch, Blood Witch, can you introduce me? Can I shake his hand? Does he shake hands?! HAO can compute over six thousand different handshake variations!"
…!
Anastasia didn't even blink.
