The sword energy released after building up power collided with bullets formed from magical energy, making a crisp clinking sound.
The laser shot by POD was deflected by a magic array floating in midair, cutting through a massive tree that would require several people holding hands to encircle.
Occasional flashes of purple light appeared—these were traces left by Bayonetta when she activated Witch Time to evade attacks.
Sometimes explosive sounds could be heard—these were sonic booms produced when 2B increased her output power, coordinating with the intelligent assist chip inside her body to launch surprise attacks on Bayonetta.
One could transform into a black panther and butterfly, while the other had POD assistance.
With both capable of double-jumping in midair though they were in the air, they moved as if on solid ground.
The trajectories of both women already violated the most basic laws of physics, as if the concept of gravity didn't exist for them.
Although they were only sparring and not going all-out with their full power, the spectacle created by the two women fighting was still incredibly cool.
For little Kanna, such scenes might be commonplace, but for Bruce Banner, who had no knowledge of the women backgrounds, the impact of this scene was extraordinarily overwhelming.
First he stared wide-eyed, and as he continued watching, his shock turned to fear.
Afraid of being accidentally injured by the wind blades or stray projectiles from the women's battle, Bruce Banner quietly hid behind Shi Xiaolei, concealing himself behind what appeared to be a sturdy stone pedestal.
'Perhaps even transforming into the Hulk wouldn't make me a match for these two women.'
Recalling his experience of being wounded by Shi Xiaolei sword, and looking at the pure white blade in 2B hand and the four Shura blades that Bayonetta had switched to for close combat, Bruce Banner secretly reminded himself—no matter what situation he encountered in the future, he absolutely must avoid confronting these two women.
Unaware that Bruce Banner now viewed the two women as dangerous tigers not to be provoked, Shi Xiaolei was quite enjoying the show.
Although he was a bit worried at first, as time passed and he confirmed that both women techniques were very measured, with their evasion abilities maxed out, he gradually set aside his concerns and immersed himself in the beautiful scene that resembled a duet dance yet was full of excitement.
Come to think of it, when playing games before, he could execute many combos with pretty good visual effects.
However, since the programmers hadn't created many action modules for the "enemy soldiers" their reactions to being attacked were somewhat monotonous, making the overall spectacle fall short of perfection.
But now, whether it was 2B or Bayonetta, their movements were as fancy as acrobatics.
Add to that their back-and-forth interaction, especially the hair-raising thrill and excitement of close combat where they missed each other by millimeters.
If asked to describe the feeling, Shi Xiaolei had just two words in mind—dazzling!
"Clink clink, clink clink!"
After another series of blade clashes, and following Bayonetta missed shoulder strike, the two women temporarily separated, landing in different poses on opposite sides of the arena.
Obviously, the battle was far from over.
Bayonetta and 2B stared at each other, both gradually shifting their postures, preparing to gather strength for the next rush.
Just then, the phone in Shi Xiaolei pocket suddenly rang.
Being inside the Ark, unable to receive signals from the outside world, this ringtone clearly wasn't an incoming call.
"That's enough!"
Awakened by the alarm sound, remembering they were about to leave to meet with Stark, Shi Xiaolei quickly stepped forward, positioning himself between the two women.
"Bayonetta, Sylvia, that's enough for today."
"Yes."
Knowing there were other plans ahead, 2B acknowledged first and put her weapon back into her backpack.
She didn't change her clothes though, after all, Bruce Banner was still standing at the sidelines.
Even 2B, who lacked some human sensibilities compared to normal people, knew certain things needed to be avoided, and couldn't be done casually in front of strangers.
On the other side, seeing 2B disarm herself, Bayonetta also had to put away her weapons.
Perhaps because she had just gotten excited only to be stopped, there was some regret in her eyes.
However, after this brief yet intense battle, the look she gave 2B now contained some subtle recognition.
"You're pretty good."
Habitually putting a lollipop in her mouth, walking over gracefully, Bayonetta looked at 2B who had also approached Shi Xiaolei, and extended her right hand.
"Looking forward to our next sparring session, shorty."
"You're strong too."
A gleam flashed in 2B eyes.
"Also, I'm not 'shorty,' please call me Sylvia."
"Alright, alright, little sister Sylvia."
Ignoring 2B protest, she smiled and put her arm around her shoulder.
Then shifting her gaze to Kanna being held in Shi Xiaolei arms, Bayonetta pulled out an even bigger lollipop.
"Cutie, is big sister lollipop tasty? Would you like another one?"
"Mm-hmm~."
Kanna nodded without hesitation, cooperatively extending her little hand.
"Hmm~ don't rush."
Suddenly pulling her hand back a bit, Bayonetta smiled at Kanna.
"Be good now, call me big sister first."
"Big sister~!"
With delicious snacks being the priority, little foodie Kanna immediately called out sweetly.
"Good girl, here~."
Handing over the lollipop and gently patting the little girl head, Bayonetta discreetly laid out her terms.
"Listen to big sister more in the future, and you'll have tasty lollipops every day."
"Mm-hmm."
Nodding vigorously, Kanna was just like that—bought off by Bayonetta.
"You..."
"All you think about is food."
Somewhat speechless, Shi Xiaolei pinched the little girl nose with mixed amusement.
"Hehe."
After the situation settled, Bruce Banner had already emerged from behind the stone pedestal.
Originally wanting to make some comments, but seeing this scene before him, he decided to keep quiet and contentedly play his role as an invisible person.
Fortunately, Shi Xiaolei didn't leave him hanging for too long.
After the phone alarm had rung earlier, Shi Xiaolei accidentally pressed the wrong button, not directly turning off the alarm but setting it to snooze.
As a result, five minutes later, the alarm sounded again.
While fumbling to take out his phone, he noticed Bruce Banner who had approached him again.
"Dr. Banner."
"It's about time, we should be leaving now."
While turning off the alarm function, Shi Xiaolei said to Bruce Banner.
"Okay."
"If I remember correctly, you're departing from New York today?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Bruce Banner took the opportunity to ask.
"Yes."
Shi Xiaolei nodded.
"As agreed, in at most two to three days, you'll be able to leave this place. Until then, please be patient and don't rush."
"I will."
"Mm, then we're off."
Lifting the little girl in his arms, Shi Xiaolei smiled and reminded her to 'say goodbye to Dr. Banner.'
Then, with Kanna clear and polite farewell, he sank his consciousness into the system, silently issued a command, and took the three women with him as they vanished from the Ark, returning to their rented apartment.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)