the era of calamities

While Iris was performing her improvised drama, I had enough time to prepare explosives powerful enough to bring down the surrounding buildings and bury the crowd under the rubble. This operation wouldn't have been possible without Victor's weapon caches, whose true purpose only he knew.

I was perched on the roof of a hospital, a kilometer away from the scene, offering a panoramic view of the square. Far enough to avoid being spotted thanks to the surrounding buildings, yet close enough for an excellent shooting position. No one would suspect a sniper was here. And if my cover were blown, I could always blend in with the wounded who would inevitably flood in after what I was about to unleash.

I had been thinking nonstop, visualizing every detail, anticipating the Enforcers' response. If I had had more time—just one extra day—I would have felt more at ease. But it was too late for second thoughts.

I lay down on the concrete, one eye closed, the other fixed on my scope. A deep breath filled my lungs, slowing my heartbeat. Around me, megaphones blared, the crowd chanted slogans, but I heard nothing. Just a dull silence, an eerie void within the roaring noise. The heat was suffocating, sweat clung to my skin. Yet the only thing I truly felt was the cold metal under my fingers.

Long-range shooting had never been my strong suit. I was a good shooter, nothing more. But I couldn't afford to doubt myself.

Come on, my beauty, I'm counting on you, I whispered, gently caressing the rifle's stock. Weapons require a delicate touch. If you want them to obey, you have to treat them with respect.

As the enraged crowd stormed the stage, I forced myself not to let emotions interfere. In direct combat, I wouldn't stand a chance against the Enforcers. But if the cards in my hand weren't enough to win, there was only one option left:

Change the rules of the game.

And I had one advantage they didn't.

I knew their priorities. They were here to recruit. They wouldn't stand by and watch people die before their awakening. In other words, if I took the crowd hostage, they would be forced to protect it. And protecting a panicked crowd is far harder than killing.

As soon as the audience, entranced by Iris's acting, rushed the stage, I pressed the detonator.

The buildings exploded in a deafening roar. An avalanche of debris crashed onto the square, sending shards of stone and metal flying in all directions.

My heart skipped a beat.

What if I had miscalculated? What if innocents died for nothing?

Panic was immediate. Those caught in the debris' path froze in fear, unable to move. Others, in a desperate attempt to flee, were trampled by the frantic stampede.

Then, a lightning bolt split the sky.

It struck with a terrifying crash, obliterating the falling rubble before it could reach the crowd.

Grégoire.

He had reacted instantly, faster than his comrades. The other Enforcers weren't far behind. Within moments, they scattered in six different directions, forming a hexagram.

They're preparing something.

Their coordination was flawless. No hesitation, no shouted orders. As if they were communicating in a way I couldn't perceive.

As soon as they were in position, a semi-transparent shield of white light enveloped the crowd.

The explosions hadn't harmed anyone. Sure, many were on the ground, unconscious or trampled, but there were no casualties.

I glanced toward the stage.

Brenda was gone.

Lucy must have taken advantage of the chaos to rescue her while the Enforcers focused on protecting the public.

I had only one thing left to do: erase all suspicion.

Iris was still there, crouched, trembling with fear. Her acting was flawless. Yet after the disaster, she would inevitably be questioned.

Unless someone diverted attention.

My fingers trembled slightly. For the first time.

I refocused my scope on her.

If she became a victim, no one would suspect her. On the contrary, they would blame one of the mayor's supporters for trying to silence her.

It took all my courage. Absolute cold blood.

I pulled the trigger.

The bullet shot forward.

It hit exactly where I intended.