Michael's eyes narrowed as he observed the threat carefully. When it came to the little aliens that flew around the area, they were mostly harmless, unless provoked. What categorized the danger of the Ro'trah's herds was the queen leading them.

Higher tier usually meant that a bigger swarm was under the queen's control. Not only that, but the stronger they were, the more effects they would have on the herd.

For instance, they could make them fiercer, faster, or increase their reproducing speed. These queens were naturally tremendous threats that needed to be eliminated. However, with the herd protecting its mistress, it was hard to reach them.

Of course, while the little creatures were now following the queen's command, the queens themselves would always obey their one and only ruler. Thankfully that ruler was light-years away, bringing peace to Michael's mind.

Clenching her fists, Ava gulped audibly, her eyes trembling. This was the first time she bore witness to Ro'trah's queen… The sight made her sick to the core.

A weird blob of red mass, with eyes and limbs twisting in seemingly random patterns.

Despite not being a biologist, she could tell that there was something fundamentally wrong with the creature. She failed to imagine how it could move, much less function.

Michael, meanwhile, wasn't surprised, as he had seen such things before.

The queen before them was of the Elite tier. Being close to the bottom of the food chain, she hadn't been able to develop a working body. All she was now was a barely alive organism that gave directions to the herd that had split off from the main swarm.

Their work was to devour, grow in number, and hopefully allow their queen to become a General.

'Can't afford to mess things up.' Michael thought grimly, his grip on the soul weapon tightening.

Even if the queen looked harmless now, it would prove disastrous if she directed the herd to attack them.

It was of utmost importance they kill her in one swoop, but sadly, by observing her body, Michael deduced that due to the large amount of mass, breaking past her defenses would be troublesome.

The alien had focused on developing an external shield that would allow her to avoid being killed in one strike.

'I could manage to kill a General with struggle, but whether I can one-shot the Elite queen would be a gamble…'

Of course he didn't display his doubts. His job was to wreak havoc among the herd's ranks, allowing his team to kill the little creatures.

'...?'

Before pouncing on the creature, Ava made a few hand gestures.

She had a plan.

A warm smile slowly spread over Michael's face.

With a nod, they sprang into action.

[Warlock activated]

[Dash activated]

Faster than one can blink, Michael appeared next to the queen, not bothering to keep secrecy any longer.

Slash!

Making use of his Master-like speed, he drove the sword deep in the creature's body. Yet despite using all the strength he could muster, Devil's Tongue only traveled halfway across the queen.

The next second, Ava reached him. She lifted her hammer, allowing it to grow to its full weight and area of effect before bringing it down like a guillotine of death.

"Explosion!"

At the moment of impact, she activated her technique, triggering an explosion wherever her weapon made contact.

BOOM!

With the added inertia, Michael's weapon gained more momentum, successfully decapitating the queen in half.

BZZZZ!

Instantly the herd went into a frenzy. With their queen dead, they were reduced to a blind, mindless group of Lesser creatures that would disperse in due time.

Michael had to squint his eyes. Due to his tall stature, the aliens flying around him obscured his surroundings, forcing him to stay in one spot. After all, he wouldn't be able to see where he was going.

However, Ava didn't appear to have such problems. Thanks to being shorter than him, she got a clear vision of the surroundings.

"Follow me!" Gripping his hand, she led him to the nearest safe place. Staying among the raging herd would undoubtedly cause them injuries.

Understanding her intent, Michael didn't object, placing his faith in her.

Click!

They approached a metal ammo box. Before the settlement had been captured by the aliens, it had stored giant military shells. Now it stood completely empty.

Ava quickly lifted the metal lid.

In less than a heartbeat, the two were inside its protective veil. Making sure they were safe, Ava shut the lift, cutting them off from the world outside.

Thud!

Numerous Ro'trahs collided with the box, trying to enter. Fortunately, its form remained intact.

Once she was certain they were safe, Ava let out a sigh of relief.

"This was a close one." She admitted.

Michael chuckled. "Good job. I wouldn't have been able to kill the queen in one hit without your help… Nor would I be able to hide from the aftermath."

"Hmph! I am capable of many things!" Ava proclaimed with pride in her voice.

Gradually the buzzing began to disperse as the aliens left the building. It would take some time before it was safe to go out.

"..."

With the adrenaline of battle fading, Ava was hit by a revelation.

'Oh god!' Her heart began to beat so fast she worried Michael would be able to feel her worry.

It was only now that she realized where they were!

Trapped in a confined space. Michael was crammed at the bottom, barely fitting inside the cramped metal box, while Ava's body pressed tightly over him. The box's low ceiling forced her to lie across him, her body stretched out over his. As their chests pressed together, she felt his heartbeat beneath her and the rise and fall of his breath.

'Stay calm!' Ava thought, staring into his crimson eyes that proved to be the only source of light.

Thub! Thub! Thub!

Despite her best efforts, her face started to grow rosy, her breathing accelerating.

The cold of the planet's blizzard seemed to fade, replaced by the warmth of their shared breath. That in no way, shape, or form helped Ava keep a clear head.

"Are you feeling alright? Your breathing is becoming ragged." Michael, who had been listening intensely to the movements of the aliens, asked.

"Y—Yes, just enjoying the moment..." Ava replied, her body gently softening atop him.

Curiously, she found herself hoping their teammates would take their time wiping out the queenless herd…

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