Chapter 18: First Conflicts with Shards
The driver hesitated, his brow furrowing as he gave Elias a once-over. "You're not even a recruit, right? What the hell are you planning to do?"
Elias's voice hardened, his grip tightening. "Buy you some time. That's what."
The driver hesitated, then unholstered a pistol from his side and shoved it into Elias's hands. "Be careful!" the driver snapped. "This thing could be an alien!"
Elias didn't respond, gripping the weapon tightly as he jumped off the bus. Outside, three other recruits were already on the ground, rifles raised and humming with an electric blue glow as they pointed at the transformed man.
"Stand down! Back away from the training officer!" one of the recruits shouted, his voice shaking slightly but steady enough to command.
Elias recognized the recruit's voice—it was Marcus. The large man was steady on his feet, his finger hovering near the trigger.
The transformed man turned his gaze toward them, his darkened armor glinting faintly in the glow of the rifles. He sneered, his tone cold and sharp. "Where's the kid with the shard?"
A chill ran through Elias as the words registered. He's here for me? he thought, his heart pounding. Why? How did he even find me? And why does he think I'm a kid?!
Dot hovered near his shoulder, her voice firm. "He can't know you're the one! Don't let him figure it out!"