"They've studied every movement pattern of the cousins."
Indeed, each jump, each rescue attempt, seemed anticipated by Klein's team. They moved with a coordination that suggested hours of analysis and specific preparation for this confrontation.
Maria tried to resist, but the combination of the cobra's acid and the rhinoceros's piercing impacts was too much. The armadillo finally gave in, vanishing in a flash of light.
Maria fell to her knees, stunned by the broken connection.
"No!" exclaimed Liora, her concern for her friend momentarily overcoming her discipline.
That instant of distraction was all Klein needed.
"Being emotional," he murmured, a confident smile on his lips as he launched an attack. "Is a bad idea in battle."
Liora retreated with a jump just in time to avoid being severely injured, only a small scratch on her shoulder, but the situation had changed dramatically. With Maria out of combat, the numerical advantage clearly favored Klein's team.
