Chapter 288: Liodra's Anger

As Ameliana's footsteps touched the ground, the air around her vibrated, and suddenly, a blazing white fire erupted from the trail she left behind.

"Aahhhh!"

A piercing scream echoed as the unfortunate members of the Soul Collector were trapped in the blaze of white fire. Their bodies were charred within seconds—skin peeling, flesh blackening, and ultimately leaving only dust scattered in the air.

Without glancing back, Ameliana jumped into the underground hole.

Meanwhile, the Anbu members witnessing the horrific scene froze for a moment, shock clearly displayed on their faces.

However, before they could move...

"Clang!"

Thick black chains shot out from all directions, wrapping around their bodies in an instant.

"You are detained! Do not resist if you do not wish to die!" Liodra's cold voice echoed among them.

One of the trapped Anbu even smirked. "Heh... Sorry, but our mission here is already complete!"

"BOOM!"

Suddenly, the bodies of the Anbu exploded in a wave of black smoke that immediately enveloped the air.

"What?!" Liodra stepped back, her eyes wide in disbelief.

It didn't take long before voices from the communication began to flood in.

"We apologize, Lady Liodra! The Anbu vanished after turning into smoke!"

"Yes! Here too!"

"Same here!"

Liodra's grip on her communicator tightened. Her teeth clenched as anger began to boil within her. Although the Anbu showed no signs of possessing Anomalies or Abnormals, they clearly had a very strange method—able to explode into smoke and simply disappear.

"Damn it...!" Liodra muttered in frustration.

But this was not over; Liodra issued another command. "Then, capture all members of the Soul Collector coming out of the underground! Do not let a single one escape!"

"Understood!" The firm voices of the police officers echoed through the communication channels, signaling that the chase had just begun.

...

...

...

Somewhere, in a seemingly luxurious house, several people were sitting tensely, staring at the television screen broadcasting shocking news.

"This... how is this possible? The Southern District?" Kaori stared at the screen with wide eyes, her voice filled with shock.

"I think it really is the Southern District," Kakashi said in a flat tone, although the look in his eyes showed a hint of tension.

"Aunt Mio! How is Aunt Mio doing right now?" Kaori suddenly panicked, her expression changing drastically.

"Will... will Aunt Mio be okay?" Kyoko asked worriedly, her clear eyes filled with concern.

Kaori paused for a moment, looking hesitant to answer.

"About that..." Kaori mumbled with a confused expression, unsure of what to say.

"That woman is fine," Haruto's voice suddenly broke the silence, causing everyone to turn towards him.

"Really?" Kaori looked at Haruto with a confused expression.

"Of course," Haruto replied casually, his lips curling into a slight smile. "I won't let someone important to you get hurt."

"Is that so..." Kaori responded briefly, seemingly indifferent to Haruto's teasing smile. She chose to refocus on watching television, as if she didn't want to discuss it further.

Kyoko, noticing the brief interaction, glanced at Haruto with a slightly confused face, then redirected her gaze back to Kaori. In the end, Kyoko also chose to continue watching television without asking further questions.

Meanwhile, Haruto, seeing Kaori's cold demeanor, could only smile faintly. His gaze dimmed slightly, but he said nothing.

Then, silently, Haruto glanced at Kakashi and Sakura. The two seemed to understand Haruto's intent without needing words. Without much conversation, Haruto turned and walked out of the room, followed by Kakashi and Sakura.